Reform UK unveils migrant boats crackdown plan

Reform UK has unveiled a bold plan to halt migrant crossings in the English Channel, proposing what it calls "the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two." Under a potential Nigel Farage government, the party aims to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept all migrant vessels and return them to France or Belgium.

“

Britain is being invaded. Tory and Labour governments responded with a free ferry service and free hotels. Reform UK will respond by launching the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two.

The strategy, dubbed "Operation Fortress," is presented by Reform UK as both a measure to stop illegal crossings and a humanitarian response. The party asserts it aligns with international law. "Britain is being invaded," stated Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman. "Tory and Labour governments responded with a free ferry service and free hotels. Reform UK will respond by launching the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two."

Yusuf added that the Royal Navy would ensure "not a single unauthorised vessel crossing the English Channel makes it to the shores of the United Kingdom." Those attempting the crossing would be intercepted and returned to France. Reform UK plans to establish a joint military command, integrating units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF, and British Army, supported by a dedicated surveillance command. The armed forces would intercept vessels, detain occupants, provide basic care, and escort them back to France.

“

Nigel Farage will order his Majesty’s Royal Navy to ensure that not a single unauthorised vessel crossing the English Channel makes it to the shores of the United Kingdom. Those who attempt it will be intercepted by our Armed Forces and returned to France.

The party cited the recent breach of the border in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where approximately 60,000 migrants crossed, as evidence of the urgency. Reform UK also framed its plan as humanitarian, claiming it would save lives in the Channel, referencing the 162 deaths recorded between 2018 and 2025. However, the Labour Party dismissed the announcement as "reheated" and an "old announcement in their latest desperate bid to distract from their growing sleaze scandals." A Labour spokesperson argued that "anger and easy answers won’t bring crossings down," highlighting their own actions which they claim have stopped 46,000 attempted crossings and led to 70,000 removals.

“

Reform have reheated an old announcement in their latest desperate bid to distract from their growing sleaze scandals. Anger and easy answers won’t bring crossings down.

The announcement coincides with a surge in crossings, as the English Channel recorded its busiest day this year last Wednesday, with 752 individuals arriving.

“

The serious action we’ve taken has started to have a real impact and has led to 46,000 attempted crossings stopped, and 70,000 people with no right to be here removed. We know there’s more to do on this complex issue.