Reform UK Home Affairs Spokesperson Zia Yusuf engaged in a fiery exchange on live television regarding the legality and logistics of the party’s newly proposed “Operation Fortress,” a plan to deploy the Royal Navy to return migrant boats directly to French shores.
The tense interview centered on the hypothetical—yet highly consequential—scenario of French authorities refusing to consent to Royal Marines disembarking migrants on French territory. The presenter directly challenged Yusuf, repeatedly asking what the Royal Marines’ orders would be if French forces attempted to “repulse” or repel the vessels .
Yusuf pushed back against the premise, arguing that any attempt by France to repel boats carrying civilians would constitute a violation of international law. “In order for them to repel a boat… they are effectively endangering the lives of innocent civilians at sea in distress, let alone our fine Royal Marines,” Yusuf stated. “That is a huge breach of international law. It is a crime against humanity” . He added that he does not believe French President Emmanuel Macron would authorize such an action .
The presenter countered by citing an independent international lawyer consulted by the network, who stated that “entering French territorial waters or landing personnel or migrants on French territory without explicit authorization from the French breaches international law and infringes on French sovereignty” .
Yusuf swiftly dismissed the legal opinion, asserting that it has “never been tested in court” and claiming that Reform UK has obtained its own legal advice confirming the policy’s viability . He accused “plenty of lawyers” of making money by “claiming Britain can’t have a border” .
Further defending the policy, Yusuf emphasized the financial context, pointing out that France is already receiving £1 billion in British taxpayer money to manage the border . He argued that returning migrants would simply be assisting France in fulfilling its obligations.
When pressed on whether the policy fundamentally conflicts with international treaties, Yusuf provided a stark ultimatum regarding Reform UK’s priorities. He stated that if a determination must be made between adhering to every international treaty or stopping the arrival of “unvetted men” from countries like Iran, Iraq, and Syria—some of whom, he claimed, come to commit terror attacks—Prime Minister Nigel Farage would unequivocally choose the “security and sovereignty” of Britain.
The presenter challenged the necessity of such drastic military action, noting that crossings are reportedly down 43% compared to the same time last year, suggesting the current approach is “going in the right direction”.
Yusuf rejected this characterization, highlighting that over 200,000 migrants have already arrived, placing immense strain on public services. He issued a dire warning regarding national security, stating that British security services have already foiled mass casualty events involving individuals who crossed the Channel illegally. He argued that waiting for a successful attack before taking decisive action is unacceptable .
The confrontation highlights the intense scrutiny and polarized debate surrounding Reform UK’s aggressive new border policy as they attempt to challenge the current Labour government’s approach to the small boats crisis.
