The British Reform UK party has proposed a tough plan to stop migrants crossing the English Channel, declaring that if it comes to power it will launch what it calls “the largest military operation in the Channel since the Second World War.” The plan, called “Operation Fortress,” involves the Royal Navy intercepting small boats carrying migrants leaving the French coast and returning them to France.

The proposal comes as Nigel Farage's party faces a slump in polls and is under investigation over undeclared finances and donations. The ethics committee in the British parliament has also opened an investigation into the party's deputy leader, MP Richard Tice.

Reform UK spokesman Zia Yusuf told the BBC that the measure was “a last resort”, but that the situation had reached a point where strong intervention was needed. He described the number of migrants crossing the Channel as “colossal” and said there was no sign of the phenomenon stopping. The Labour government immediately rejected the proposal, accusing Reform UK of using the immigration issue to divert attention from its own domestic problems.

Even former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharp expressed reservations about using military ships in this way, arguing that naval forces have many ways to contribute, but sending warships is not necessarily the most appropriate solution.

According to official data, by July 31, 2026, 14,128 people had arrived in the UK via the English Channel by small boats, a figure around 42% lower compared to the same period last year.

However, a daily record was recorded on July 29, with 752 new arrivals. London and Paris have previously reached an agreement to curb illegal crossings, which also includes British financial support for French efforts in border control.