Reform UK would use Royal Navy to stop small boats
The UK's Reform party has proposed using the Royal Navy to intercept and return migrant boats in the English Channel as part of a new policy called 'Operation Fortress'. The plan faces significant legal and diplomatic hurdles, as international law generally prohibits returning migrants to other countries without their consent.
Why it matters
This highlights a contentious political debate in the UK regarding border security, international law, and the role of the military in domestic policy.
Image source, PA Media By Adam Goldsmith Published 34 minutes ago Reform UK has said it would launch the "the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two" to tackle small boat arrivals, if it forms the next government.
Under plans set to be announced at a news conference later, the Royal Navy would intercept migrant boats in the Channel and return them to France or Belgium.
When it was put to the party that the UK could not return migrants without French agreement, home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf claimed it would be possible.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to be "relentless" on tackling small boat crossings, and stressed the UK needs to build a system that offers asylum seekers "safe routes".
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