Britain could redeploy troops from English Channel operations if France did more to control its borders, a defence minister has suggested.
James Heappey told Peter Bone he “certainly has a point” after his Conservative colleague blamed the French authorities for not doing enough to deal with small boats trying to reach England from France.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson last month signed off plans for the military to take over command of the operation from Border Force.
Mr Heappey said Operation Isotrope will seek to prevent the arrival of small boats “on their own terms” in the UK while protecting lives at sea, adding the Ministry of Defence is working closely with the Home Office and others.
A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, by Border Force officers, following a small boat incident in the Channel. Picture date: Thursday December 16, 2021.
Gareth Fuller
But Conservative MP Mr Bone (Wellingborough) asked: “Wouldn’t it all be unnecessary if the French just controlled their own border and that our forces could then be redeployed, not protecting things in the Channel.
“Isn’t the French at fault?”
Mr Heappey replied: “In the interests of bonhomie I’ll refrain from using such forthright language, but (he) certainly has a point.”
Labour MP Ellie Reeves (Lewisham West and Penge) added: “The Government has spent over £200 million on deals with the French authorities – £780,000 on two navy vessels that have not intercepted a single boat, and now they’re insisting on pushback tactics which the Navy has rightly said they won’t use.
“The human cost is harrowing. In November, 27 people – including children – died when their boat sank.
“So instead of wasting more taxpayers’ money on unworkable initiatives, will the minister finally back the solutions that will fix this crisis – opening safe routes of passage, meaningful engagement with the French authorities and a proper plan to tackle people smuggling?”
Mr Heappey replied: “I’m not sure that they’re mutually exclusive.
“I absolutely agree with the things that (Ms Reeves) gave as the solution at the end of her question.
“But I think they have to sit alongside a very robust and resilient effort in the Channel to make sure that even when the things (Ms Reeves) advocates are in place, there’s still the ability to protect our borders and stop people landing here.”