Story perspectives

UK MP claims navy fired 17 rounds; France says drill

7/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

UK MP Chris Philp said a French navy vessel fired 17 rounds at his boat.
The French Maritime Prefecture said the Flamand was conducting a handgun exercise off Cap Gris-Nez, that safety signals and safety perimeter were respected, and the drill was unrelated to the British boat, which was outside range.
Retired Royal Navy captain Kevin Rowlands said drills often use live rounds aimed safely and doubted any intimidation intent.

History

Historical Context

On 10 July 1985 the French DGSE sank Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior in Auckland, killing photographer Fernando Pereira and prompting a scandal that forced France to apologise, resign its defence minister and pay NZ$13 million in reparations. The episode created lasting distrust of French naval actions, a legacy that resurfaced in March 2024 when the frigate Flamand fired on UK MP Chris Philp’s boat, reviving calls for tighter Anglo-French maritime rules.

1 of 2

Story summary

UK MP Chris Philp said a French navy vessel fired 17 rounds at his boat.
The French Maritime Prefecture said the Flamand was conducting a handgun exercise off Cap Gris-Nez, that safety signals and safety perimeter were respected, and the drill was unrelated to the British boat, which was outside range.
Retired Royal Navy captain Kevin Rowlands said drills often use live rounds aimed safely and doubted any intimidation intent.

1 / 2