Good Morning Britain star slams latest migrant plan: 'It's all a bit awkward'

A Good Morning Britain star has slammed the government's 'one in, one out' scheme after it failed to take off when it should have. Deportation flights to France were set to begin yesterday, but so far nobody at all has been returned with GMB host Charlotte Hawkins saying that it is "all a bit awkward".

She asked news correspondent Jonathan Swain: "So why can't the government get this scheme off the ground? It's all a bit awkward isn't it?" He replied saying that he was stood in exactly the same spot at Heathrow airport yesterday, telling people not to hold their breath for any flights taking off. He added: "And I'm glad I didn't [hold my breath] because so far we have had no deportation flights containing migrants that have left Heathrow to go back to France." However, he explained that a bit more detail has emerged this morning as a man was due to fly back to France at 9am today. "But last night, he won a last minute legal bid in the High Court," Jonathan explained. Lawyers have been fighting for him to temporarily remain in the UK as there is a "risk of destitution" should he return to France.

A lawyer spoke to the ITV show to give an outline of reasons as to why migrants should be allowed to stay in the UK.

Immigration and public law solicitor, Imogen Townley, told the programme that there "really isn't one argument that would apply to everybody". She shared that she is acting on behalf of people with all different problems, from mental health issues to family issues.

Mr Swain then added that the Conservatives have said the scheme is an "utter shambles" and they went on to describe it as a "gimmick".

Fans at home shared their own thoughts on the matter, taking to X (Twitter) to comment on the report. One said: "It sounds just like the Rwanda deal, where there would be a last minute legal appeal to avoid being deported. I don't think this new agreement with France will ever take off."

Another added: "If anyone ever thought this plan was going to happen or work, they were deluded, and Starmer knew this would not happen. Just our money down the drain yet again!!!"

While a third commented: "All these things they put in place are just smoke and mirrors... Until you change laws, come out of the ECHR and the refugee commitments, then it will never change."