Reform UK has announced plans to initiate what it describes as the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two if it secures power. The strategy, titled Operation Fortress, involves using Royal Navy vessels to intercept migrant boats and return them to France or Belgium. Party spokesman Zia Yusuf argues these actions would qualify as humanitarian missions and remain consistent with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Government officials have pushed back against the proposal. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh expressed concern that the plan would lead to prolonged diplomatic disputes with France, as international maritime laws generally prohibit transporting individuals to another country without that nation’s consent. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has instead focused on a strategy of dismantling criminal smuggling networks, noting that the number of National Crime Agency officers dedicated to this issue has nearly doubled.
Critics from the maritime sector, including retired commander Tom Sharpe, suggested that using warships to transport civilians is impractical. Meanwhile, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp argued that the government should prioritize withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights to enable faster deportations. Data shows that small boat arrivals are currently down approximately 43% compared to the previous year, though the issue remains a significant aspect of the broader immigration debate.
