Reform UK has unveiled plans to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel and forcibly return them to France or Belgium, proposing a joint military command drawing on the Navy, Royal Marines, RAF and British Army with River-class patrol vessels leading operations.
The proposal, announced as Nigel Farage campaigns for the 13 August Clacton-on-Sea by-election, immediately drew French condemnation, with the French interior ministry calling it a violation of sovereignty and international law. Legal experts echoed that concern: James Turner KC said maritime law does not permit collecting asylum seekers in a contiguous zone and returning them, while University of Southampton's Andrew Serdy said French agreement would be required. Party home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said Reform would seek deals to disembark migrants at French ports, and Farage claimed French attitudes were softening.
Domestic rivals dismissed the plan. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said it would mean endless arguments with France, while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp called it an unfunded gimmick. Downing Street noted that naval primacy over crossings in 2022 produced no reduction.