The first deportation flights of migrants under the UK's new returns deal with France are expected to begin next week.

GB News has been told the migrants will be returned under the returns deal Sir Keir Starmer signed with French President Emmanuel Macron.

The 'one in, one out' pilot scheme was set up by the two leaders during Mr Macron's state visit to the UK in July.

Under the agreement, dozens of migrants were detained in Dover last month with new Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, saying this week that they are expected to return to France "imminently".

A Home Office spokesman said the removals are imminent.

"Under the new UK-France Treaty, people crossing in small boats can now be detained and removed to France," the spokesman said.

"We expect the first returns to take place imminently.

"Protecting the UK border is our top priority. We will do whatever it takes to restore order to secure our borders."

Migrants are expected to be deported imminently