A prominent Conservative Party member has accused a French warship of firing 17 “live rounds” in an attempt to intimidate him while he was filming in the Channel. However, it was later clarified that the gunfire was part of a separate training exercise.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp alleged that a naval officer discharged what seemed like “warning shots or attempted intimidation” during a television interview. The incident was captured in a video shared by the Conservative spokesperson, where loud bangs can be heard in the background.
Expressing his displeasure with the French authorities, Philp criticized their actions, claiming that the crew’s use of handguns during the training session was unwarranted. The incident occurred while Philp was discussing the decrease in small boat crossings compared to the previous year.
The UK government has reached out to French officials seeking clarification on the matter. The French Maritime Prefecture for the English Channel and the North Sea stated that the warship, named Flamant, was engaged in a routine handgun firing drill near Cape Gris-Nez.
The French authorities emphasized that the training was conducted to maintain operational readiness amid the current international climate. They explained that all necessary safety protocols were adhered to and that the exercise was not related to the presence of a British vessel in the vicinity.
Philp disputed the French explanation, asserting that the lack of prior warnings about the live firing exercise was concerning. He further criticized France for purportedly not doing enough to prevent risky crossings while resorting to intimidation tactics against those exposing the issue.
In a separate development, Mayor Andy Burnham defended the government’s efforts to combat small boat crossings, citing a notable decrease in such incidents. He underscored the importance of rigorous security checks to prevent any risks to national security posed by the influx of migrants.
The UK and France had previously agreed to enhance beach patrols to deter crossings, with payment now linked to achieving results, marking a significant step in addressing the ongoing challenge.