The Reform UK party has promised that, if it wins the next election, it will launch “the largest military operation in the English Channel since the Second World War” to stop the arrival of asylum seekers on small boats.
This was stated by the party’s leader, Nigel Farage. The plan, called “Operation Fortress”, involves deploying the Royal Navy to intercept all unauthorised vessels in the Channel and return their passengers to France or Belgium.
The statement was made against the backdrop of ongoing Channel crossings. The party’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, stressed: “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 the Second World War.”
According to party representatives, Farage as prime minister would order the Royal Navy to ensure that not a single unauthorised vessel reaches the shores of the United Kingdom. Those intercepted would be provided with water, food and medical assistance before being returned under naval escort to their point of departure. The party claims the border would become “impenetrable” and that the operation complies with international law and is humanitarian in nature.
To implement the plan, Reform UK proposes establishing a joint military command involving units from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force and British Army, as well as a dedicated surveillance command to track vessels. The operation is backed by some retired senior officers from the Navy and Royal Marines, the party said. If necessary, it is prepared to pass emergency legislation.
Farage and Yusuf presented the details at a press conference on 3 August 2026. The party emphasises that the aim is not only to stop the boats but also to save lives (according to the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory, 162 people died attempting to cross the Channel between 2018 and 2025) and reduce costs.
The Labour Party called the announcement a “reheated” old proposal and said that “anger and easy answers won’t bring crossings down”. Critics also point to possible diplomatic difficulties with France.