The French government has formally rejected a proposal by the UK's Reform party to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel and return them to French territory. The plan, which Reform UK has dubbed Operation Fortress, would involve British military vessels shadowing small boats and escorting them back to France or Belgium. French officials have characterized the proposal as a violation of both French sovereignty and international maritime law, stating that British military vessels would not be permitted to enter French waters without explicit authorization.
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, argues that the policy is a necessary humanitarian and security measure to stop illegal crossings. The party claims that such actions are consistent with international law and would effectively secure the UK border. This proposal is part of a broader set of immigration policies the party intends to implement if it were to win a future general election. The party has compared the current situation to recent border pressures in other parts of Europe to emphasize the urgency of its plan.
Critics, including former military commanders and political opponents, have questioned the feasibility and legality of the strategy. Retired Royal Navy Commander Tom Sharpe noted that the Navy lacks the appropriate vessels for such operations and that using high-end warships for transport duties would be an inefficient use of military assets. Furthermore, legal experts have warned that returning migrants to another country without that nation's consent would likely breach international conventions, potentially leading to severe diplomatic consequences and the suspension of existing cooperation on border security.
As the debate continues, the practical impact remains uncertain. While Reform UK maintains that the policy would deter future crossings, the French government’s firm opposition suggests that any attempt to implement such a plan would face significant diplomatic and legal hurdles. Meanwhile, the UK government continues to focus on existing arrangements to manage Channel crossings, reporting a decrease in the number of arrivals during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.