Key facts
- Reform UK proposes using the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel.
- The party aims to return intercepted migrants to France or Belgium.
- Reform UK describes the plan as 'Operation Fortress' and the 'largest military operation' in the Channel since World War Two.
- The proposal has been met with skepticism from military experts and other political parties.
- Home Office figures indicate a 43% decrease in migrant arrivals this year compared to the same period in 2025.
Reform UK has unveiled plans to deploy the Royal Navy in a large-scale operation, dubbed 'Operation Fortress,' to intercept small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel. The party's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, described it as the "largest military operation" in the Channel since World War Two, aiming to return migrants to France or Belgium.
Yusuf asserted the plan's workability and compatibility with international law, suggesting that diplomatic disagreements with France over migrant returns could lead to renegotiation of the UK's financial cooperation deal. However, the proposal has drawn immediate criticism, with military experts and other political parties deeming it unworkable. Retired Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe questioned the navy's suitability for such a task, suggesting border force or ferries would be more appropriate.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh expressed concern that the plan would lead to prolonged arguments with France, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government is focusing on cracking down on criminal gangs and providing safe routes for asylum seekers. Despite these debates, Home Office figures indicate a significant decrease in small boat crossings this year compared to 2025, though over 2,000 migrants have arrived since Burnham took office.