Second 'hokey cokey' migrant removed to France again after making mockery of Labour returns deal

Second hokey cokey migrant returned to France again |

GB NEWS

Oliver Trapnell

By Oliver Trapnell


Published: 27/11/2025

- 12:48

Updated: 27/11/2025

- 12:59

New data revealed today shows the number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels has risen by 13 per cent in just three months

An asylum seeker dubbed a 'hokey cokey' migrant has once again been removed from Britain after coming back to the UK by small boat.

The migrant, who is the second known case of someone coming back to Britain after being returned to France, was initially expelled from UK shores on October 16 under Labour's new "one-in, one-out" returns deal.


Less than a month later, on November 8, the same individual crossed the Channel and arrived back in the UK aboard a small boat.

Now it is understood, he has been detained and placed on a removal flight to France once again.

According to the latest Government figures, a total of 153 individuals have been sent back to France under Labour's returns scheme so far.

Responding to the migrant's return, Minister for Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris defended the effectiveness of the scheme.

"We are reforming our immigration system, making it easier to remove and deport illegal migrants with no right to be here," Mr Norris said.

"Our landmark one-in, one-out scheme means we can now send those who arrive on small boats back to France.

Small boat migrants attempting to make crossing from northern France

GB News understands a total of 153 individuals have been sent back to France under Labour's returns scheme so far

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PA

"In this case, the system worked and this individual was detected by biometrics and detained instantly.

"He has now been removed again, having wasted his time and money.

"Our message is clear: if you try to return to the UK, you will be sent back."

The return of the second hokey-cokey migrant was revealed following the release of new data showing the number of asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels has risen by 13 per cent in just three months.

Small boat migrants

Labour has pledged to no longer be using asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament

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PA

Data shows there were 36,273 people staying in asylum accommodation in September, up from 32,041 in June.

Last month, the Government announced two barracks in Scotland and southern England would be used to temporarily house around 900 migrants, in a bid to cut down the use of asylum hotels.

Labour has pledged to no longer be using asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament in 2029, if not sooner.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously said he wants to see asylum hotels closed "as quickly as possible", but insisted Labour "inherited a huge mess" from the Tories, blaming them for failing to process claims.

In response to the latest data, a Home Office spokesman said there are now "fewer than 200 (asylum hotels) in use and we will close every single one".

They added: "Work is well underway to move illegal migrants into military bases to ease pressure on communities across the country.

"And that’s why last week we set out the most sweeping reforms in modern times to restore order and control to our borders.

"We will remove the incentives that draw illegal migrants to the UK and make it easier to remove and deport them."

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