Full Breakdown
Reform UK’s plan to use the Royal Navy to turn back small boat crossings
6/30/2026, 9:29:51 PM
Reform UK’s plan to use the Royal Navy to turn back small boats
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced that, should his party win the next general election, his government will direct Royal Navy vessels to block and turn back small boats attempting to cross the English Channel. The proposal is slated for implementation within three months of taking office and is framed as a measure to strengthen national security and deter uncontrolled migration.
Legal and policy context
The proposal would require the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and to derogate from the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), whose Article 98 obliges ships to rescue persons in distress. A “push-back” plan was introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022 as Operation Isotrope, but it was dropped after Navy and charity opposition.
Key actors
Proponents are Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Jordan Bardella, who agreed to let the Royal Navy tow back boats entering southern England. Opponents include an unnamed former naval chief, former Army chief Lord Richard Dannatt, and former army officer and Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who warned the plan breaches rescue duties and strains naval capacity.
Official statements from Reform UK and government
Speaking to GB News, Farage said stopping small-boat crossings is “vital” because it would make women and girls safer in Britain, protect national security and restore trust between voters and government. He added that the policy could only be pursued if the UK left the ECHR and noted an informal arrangement with Bardella to tow back illegal arrivals. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.
Military and defence criticism
An unnamed former naval chief warned that any order putting migrants at risk would breach existing rescue obligations. Lord Richard Dannatt said the activity belongs to the Border Force. Ben Obese-Jecty argued that using the Navy would require withdrawing from UNCLOS and that the service is already overstretched. The former naval chief also suggested fast speedboats, not large warships, could perform the task.
Conflicting legal interpretations and gaps
The plan’s success depends on the UK exiting the ECHR and derogating from UNCLOS, but the sources give no detail on the legislative steps or which naval assets would be used. The Ministry of Defence has offered no comment, and the mechanics of the reported Bardella deal remain undefined. The proposal will be tested in the upcoming general election, and any implementation would likely face legal challenges.
Verbatim quotes
“If migrants are in danger, then they have to be rescued. They would need new laws otherwise.” — Former naval chief
“I think this type of activity is best left to the Border Force.” — Lord Richard Dannatt
“Reform cannot be taken seriously on defence matters and the absence of a defence spokesperson only reinforces that.” — Ben Obese-Jecty, MP
“Stopping small boat crossings is vital because it would make women and girls safer in Britain.” — Nigel Farage
