Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed that a French warship fired 17 live rounds in the English Channel as he recorded a video for the BBC. The incident occurred while Mr Philp was discussing the 45% drop in small boat crossings compared to last year.
Philp's Account
In a social media clip, Mr Philp said: 'The French warship fired 17 live rounds behind us as it was at its closest point to us. There was no warning at all. It felt like these were warning shots and our skipper told me he had never seen anything like this in years sailing in the Channel.' The Government has contacted French authorities for an explanation. Sky News reported that the shots were thought to be part of a routine training exercise.
BBC journalist Michael Keohan described the moment as 'strange', noting the French vessel was around 300 metres away and firing in 'close proximity'.
Mr Philp also claimed that France was 'doing little' to stop dangerous crossings but trying to intimidate those exposing the issue.
Crossing Statistics
Home Office figures show 13,350 migrants have reached the UK by small boat up to July 26, compared to 24,081 by the same point in 2025 – a 45% reduction. The figure is also lower than the 15,832 in 2024, when the Tories were in government until July 5, and the 15,000-plus in both 2022 and 2023.
Burnham's Response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the government's approach, saying the plan was working. Since he took office last Monday, nearly 900 migrants have crossed, including one dinghy carrying 165 people. Mr Burnham said: 'The Home Secretary has brought forward a very rigorous plan... overall boat crossings are down, down quite significantly year on year. So that does suggest that the plan is working.'
He added that checks must be rigorous and that the public wants control. 'The trend is down, and the number of people being removed is up, so the figures are pointing in a better direction. But there is much more to do.'
In April, the UK reached a deal with France to deploy hundreds more officers on beaches and link payment to results.
