Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Archie Mitchell

Former Navy chief explains why Trump’s small boats suggestion won’t work

  • Donald Trump suggested the UK deploy its military to halt illegal migration across the English Channel, claiming it would prevent countries from being "destroyed."
  • Admiral Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, dismissed Trump's proposal as "a load of nonsense," explaining that the Navy is already involved but cannot return boats to France, rendering such intervention ineffective.
  • Labour minister Peter Kyle acknowledged the Royal Navy could be called upon if necessary, despite widespread criticism of the idea.
  • Critics, including Tan Dhesi and Tobias Ellwood, argued that the military is already overstretched and that previous attempts, like Operation Isotrope, have failed, highlighting the impracticality of returning migrants to France.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.