In a stunning political revelation, former US President Donald Trump has allegedly urged UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to deploy Royal Navy warships to intercept migrant vessels crossing the English Channel. This extraordinary suggestion came during what sources describe as a "congratulatory call" following Labour's landslide election victory.
Controversial Proposal During Diplomatic Call
According to insider accounts, Trump specifically proposed that Britain should "load up" ships and return migrants to France—a move that would dramatically escalate the ongoing Channel crossing crisis. The controversial advice echoes rhetoric previously championed by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has long advocated for naval intervention to address the small boats issue.
Political Reactions and Implications
Downing Street has remained characteristically tight-lipped about the precise details of the conversation between the two leaders. However, the revelation has ignited fierce debate across Westminster about the appropriate response to the enduring migrant crisis.
Trump's intervention comes at a particularly sensitive time for Prime Minister Starmer, who has made controlling illegal migration a cornerstone of his early premiership. The Labour government has already faced scrutiny over its approach to the issue, having abandoned the previous administration's Rwanda deportation scheme.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
The use of naval vessels for migrant interception is not without precedent. The Royal Navy previously took operational command of Channel migrant response in 2022 under Boris Johnson's government. However, legal experts caution that such measures face significant challenges under international maritime law and human rights conventions.
France has consistently opposed returns of migrants from British vessels, creating potential diplomatic complications for any attempted implementation of Trump's suggestion.
Ongoing Channel Crisis
The English Channel remains a dangerous crossing point for thousands of migrants attempting to reach British shores. Despite various government initiatives, small boat arrivals continue to present a major political and humanitarian challenge for UK authorities.
As the new government settles into power, all eyes remain on how Starmer's administration will address this persistent issue while balancing international obligations and domestic political pressure.
