EU blocks deal which might permit Channel migrants to be despatched again to France

The EU has dominated out a deal which might permit Channel migrants to be despatched again to France, based on studies.

Leaked paperwork present a European Commission official instructed Britain’s nationwide safety adviser earlier this 12 months that the bloc was not open to a returns settlement.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hoped such a pact would assist sort out the small boats disaster.

But notes of a gathering this summer time between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s head of cupboard Bjoern Siebert and Sir Tim Barrow clarify Brussels wouldn’t strike a deal.

The Cabinet Office memo, seen by the Daily Mail, says of the EU official: “He stressed that the Commission is not open to a UK-EU readmissions agreement.”

A European Commission spokesman disputed claims that Mr Siebert rejected a returns pact.

The UK has resorted to lobbying the EU after repeated refusals from France on an settlement.

When Britain was a member of the bloc some migrants had been returned below the Dublin Regulation, which permits asylum seekers to be deported to the primary nation they enter.

A Government supply stated: “The EU can’t even agree a migration deal between themselves so it’s no surprise they aren’t willing to discuss a readmissions agreement with us.

“Even below the Dublin Agreement we took extra individuals than we despatched the opposite approach.”

It comes as more than 100,000 migrants have made the dangerous journey across the Channel in rubber dinghies since 2018.

Some Tory MPs are calling for Britain to quit the European Convention on Human Rights, which is ruled on by the European Court of Human Rights, in order to tackle the issue.

It is understood UK ministers still hope a returns deal can be struck with Brussels and believe it would act as a deterrent.

A Government spokesman said: “We stay open to working with the EU to take ahead negotiations on a UK-EU returns deal.”