Top lessons Burnham should take from the pilot to the summit: 1️⃣ Bespoke ‘routes for returns’ agreement is possible & deliverable 2️⃣ Drop '1 for 1' model & focus on fair share - few returns should not equal few arrivals (aim is controlled arrivals not no arrivals) 3️⃣ Make confident case for cooperation

As a pilot, media headlines suggesting deal was 'scrapped' due to lack of scale are unfair & misleading The pilot was never going to deliver high numbers, but was to establish the principle & test new approach France would not renew as a bilateral deal & wanted European neighbours to be involved

As a pilot, there's plenty that can be learned from this scheme for future delivery 👇

It is also an approach that is pragmatic & principled. 'Routes for returns' deals see the govt offer to share - not shift - responsibility for refugees ⚠️ But this approach only works at scale, something the UK-France deal was never going to achieve as a *pilot*

Over the last year & bit, 1,500 people were returned to France after crossing Channel & 1,500 were offered a safe route to the UK This combination - routes and returns - is the right one. It not only deters people from irregular journeys, but also diverts by offering an alternative to the smugglers

It's disappointing that the UK-France 'one-in, one-out' deal will come to an end today, after being extended over the summer Pilot had its issues but it was the right approach - hopeful that govt will seek to build on it as they prioritise cooperation on irregular migration w/ EU later this year 🧵

Looking forward to today's panel discussion on a migration system that works for Britain with @thefabians.bsky.social 12.45pm at the Bluecoat 👇

Looking forward to our event on Sunday at Lib Dem conference. Details below - hope to see you there! We'll be marking the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, and exploring how well our international refugee protection system is upholding up in today's connected, unstable world 👇

Looking forward to our event on Sunday at Lib Dem conference. Details below - hope to see you there! We'll be marking the 75th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, and exploring how well our international refugee protection system is upholding up in today's connected, unstable world 👇

For refugees, route isn't at all accessible in short or long term - too high a bar. But more important question is ofc how legally & politically sustainable it is. Govt won recent legal challenge, but it'll go to appeal

I'd also add to your list above of what might be complex & take time to work through, family reunion routes for refugees, including Refugee Family Reunion - links to Art. 8 reforms too, the politics of asylum at the moment, potential for legal challenge etc