Reform UK has announced plans for what it describes as the “largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two” to tackle small boat arrivals if it forms the next UK government.
Under the proposed “Operation Fortress”, the Royal Navy would intercept migrant boats crossing the Channel and return them to France or Belgium.
The party’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said the plan had been endorsed by former senior members of the armed forces and would be carried out as a humanitarian response.
He insisted the operation would comply with the European Convention on Human Rights, arguing that Article 2 protects the right to life.
Questions over legal arrangements
International maritime rules allow states to rescue people from boats in danger, but do not allow migrants to be transferred to another country without that country’s consent.
When questioned on whether the UK could return migrants without French approval, Yusuf said it would be possible.
He acknowledged that there could be a diplomatic dispute if France refused to accept people escorted back to its shores, but argued that France had obligations under international law to process migrants.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the proposal could lead to the UK spending significant time negotiating with France.
She agreed that the government needed to take stronger action on small boat arrivals but said Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration was focusing on tackling smuggling networks and increasing enforcement.
Government highlights enforcement measures
Burnham has pledged to be “relentless” in addressing Channel crossings while also arguing that the UK needs a system offering asylum seekers safe routes.
More than 2,000 migrants have arrived in the UK on small boats since he became prime minister, including 326 people who crossed the Channel on Saturday.
However, Home Office figures show that crossings so far this year are around 43% lower compared with the same period in 2025.
The government said the number of National Crime Agency officers targeting people-smuggling gangs involved in small boat crossings had increased to almost 800, compared with 376 at the start of 2025.
Military role questioned
Retired Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe told the BBC that Border Force was better equipped to manage migrant arrivals than naval vessels.
He said warships designed for military operations, including anti-submarine defence, were not the most suitable option for transporting people.
Meanwhile, Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp argued that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights should be a priority in tackling illegal migration.
He said this would allow the UK to deport illegal migrants more quickly and create a deterrent effect against Channel crossings.
Also read: About 49,000 migrants enter Spanish territory of Ceuta in 24 hours
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