Reform UK is set to outline its “Operation Fortress” policy at a press conference, proposing that a future Reform government create a joint military command to track small boats crossing the English Channel and send the people back to France and Belgium. The plan includes units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF and British Army and is presented by Reform as the largest Channel operation since World War Two. Reform figures including party home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf say it would involve ordering the Royal Navy to prevent unauthorised crossings, with Armed Forces intercepting vessels and returning them.
A former Royal Navy officer and retired commander criticise the proposal, arguing that the UK does not have enough warships available to carry out such an operation. They also question whether turning vessels back would be feasible in practice, noting that it would require France’s agreement to accept people returned from the UK-bound crossings. The critics add that Border Force already has capabilities suited to the task, and that using military ships designed for other threats would be inefficient.
Labour responds that Reform is rehashing an earlier announcement and suggests it is being promoted to distract from controversy over Nigel Farage’s financial affairs, while also citing the number of crossings stopped and people removed through existing measures.
