Reform UK's Farage vows to deploy Royal Navy to stop migrant boats in Channel

Published Aug 8, 03:20 PM UTC

The hard-right Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has unveiled a controversial plan to deploy the Royal Navy in the English Channel to stop migrants crossing in small boats, calling it the largest military operation there since World War II. The proposal, detailed in a 28-page document, includes returning boats to France, a tactic previously abandoned by the Conservative government. Experts and political rivals have dismissed the plan as unworkable, with a former Royal Navy commander questioning its feasibility. The announcement comes as Reform UK faces declining poll numbers and multiple scandals, including parliamentary investigations into Farage and deputy leader Richard Tice, as well as a police probe into donations. The party is not expected to win power until the next general election in 2029. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Labour government continues its approach of cooperating with France to curb crossings, including a recent €766 million deal.