The French government has strongly opposed a proposal by the British right-populist party Reform UK to use naval forces to intercept and return migrants attempting to cross the English Channel to France.
On 3 August, Nigel Farage’s party unveiled a plan called “Operation Fortress.” If it comes to power, Reform UK intends to launch “the largest military operation in the English Channel since the Second World War.” The Royal Navy and Royal Marines would intercept migrant boats, provide them with food, water and medical assistance, and then return them to France or Belgium.
Party representatives stated that the preferred option remains disembarkation at ports in coordination with the French authorities. However, if Paris refuses, “His Majesty’s Royal Marines will disembark them safely on the very shore they left that morning.”
The French Interior Ministry responded firmly the same day. In a statement, the ministry said such a plan “would constitute a violation of French sovereignty, as well as a violation of the law of the sea and international law.” A ministry spokesperson added that joint measures with the UK and local operations had already led to a reduction in Channel crossings in 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Reform UK replied that the party “will always stand up for British interests and protect our people, whether Emmanuel Macron likes it or not.” A party spokesperson stressed: “Humanitarian missions do not violate maritime or international law.”