UK minister rejects Trump call to use military to stop Channel crossings
Border Force reinforced; Navy can be mobilised if needed; government says focus should be on global security issues
A UK Cabinet minister dismissed Donald Trump’s suggestion to deploy the military to halt small-boat crossings in the Channel, saying Border Force is responsible for border security and that the Royal Navy can be called on if needed.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the idea was unnecessary. He noted that Border Force has been reinforced and given new powers under the government, and that the navy maintains a working relationship with Border Force and can be called upon if required. He argued that the military should be focused on other high-priority issues around the world, directly related to national defence.
The remarks came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer promoted a renewed Special Relationship during Trump’s state visit, including a joint press conference in which Trump urged tougher action on small-boat crossings. The government has faced renewed pressure over migration, with hundreds of people said to be heading for Britain as a migrant deportation under the pact with France proceeded. A single small-boat migrant was flown to France on a commercial jet this morning, becoming the second deportee under the July deal to remove people who arrive irregularly. The migrant, an Eritrean national, asked for interim relief on grounds of possible human rights breaches if deported; his bid was rejected and he was pictured on an Air France flight from London Heathrow to Paris early today. He is due to be taken to a migrant accommodation centre in France and will have eight days to claim asylum or return to Eritrea. The first migrant deported under the scheme, an Indian national, was flown from London to Paris yesterday after three days of legal proceedings.
Near Gravelines in Calais, multiple migrant incidents were reported. At least three dinghies were seen making for the open sea from Gravelines beach, with border crews later bringing migrants ashore at Dover. The developments unfold as the government seeks to reassure the public that Border Force remains the frontline for border controls while emphasising international security priorities.