Reform UK has announced a sweeping and controversial plan to use the British military to intercept all unauthorized migrant vessels crossing the English Channel.

Dubbed “Operation Fortress,” the policy represents what the party claims would be the largest military operation in the Channel since the Second World War.

In an interview with GB News on Monday morning, Reform UK’s Home Affairs Spokesperson Zia Yusuf detailed the party’s intent to deploy a joint military task force comprising the Navy, Army, and RAF . Under the proposed policy, all unauthorized vessels would be met by Royal Marines, who would board the vessels, transfer the migrants onto rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and escort them back to France .

“Every single unauthorized vessel in the channel will be met not with a free ferry service to Dover and free hotels at taxpayer expense,” Yusuf stated. “They will be met without fail, they’ll be intercepted by Royal Marines… and take them back to France” .

To facilitate the operation, Reform UK proposes massively increasing surveillance in the Channel, combining military space satellite technology with infrared and radar systems to create an integrated surveillance command .

When questioned on the logistical challenges—particularly the current depletion of Royal Navy assets—Yusuf argued that the plan is fully viable and has been endorsed by former senior members of the armed forces . He emphasized that this is a “humanitarian mission,” not a combat operation against armed adversaries .

The most contentious aspect of the plan involves the return of migrants to French shores. When pressed on what would happen if French authorities refuse to consent or attempt to deploy their own vessels to push the migrants back, Yusuf asserted that the Royal Marines’ orders would be to “escort these migrants back onto the shores and ensure their safety in France” . He argued that this action would merely be “assisting the French to comply with the contracts that they have already agreed”.

Regarding the cost of this massive military deployment, Yusuf contended that it would be significantly less than the estimated £3.5 billion the British taxpayer spent last year on accommodating asylum seekers in hotels.

During the broadcast, Yusuf was also asked about the recent public offer from Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe for an electoral pact. Yusuf indicated that while Reform UK leader Nigel Farage remains open to dialogue with parties sharing their values, Reform is prioritizing securing a governing majority independently. Yusuf expressed skepticism regarding coalition governments, stating, “History shows the only governments that actually achieve substantial things in this country… come when there’s a party with a majority and a clear mandate” .

Reform UK is expected to formally publish the full “Operation Fortress” policy document at an 11:00 a.m. press conference led by Nigel Farage. The policy underscores a rapidly escalating political battle over border enforcement, directly challenging the current Labour government’s approach.