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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
TOI World Desk

What is 'Operation Fortress'? Reform UK's military plan to stop migrants crossing English Channel

Britain's right-wing Reform UK party has unveiled 'Operation Fortress', a military-led plan that it says would end illegal migrant crossings across the English Channel if it comes to power.

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Party leader Nigel Farage described it as the "largest military operation in the Channel since World War II," promising to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept small boats and return migrants to France.

What is Operation Fortress?

Under the proposed policy, the Royal Navy would be tasked with intercepting migrant boats attempting to cross the English Channel and escorting them back to France. Reform UK claims the operation would make Britain's borders "impenetrable" and end small-boat crossings within weeks.

"Under a Reform government, within a fortnight, there would be no more boats," Farage said while unveiling the plan.

Ceuta crisis cited as warning for Europe

Announcing the proposal on Monday, Farage pointed to the recent migrant surge in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta, saying the crisis highlighted the rising challenge of irregular migration across Europe.

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