In brief
In response to US President Donald Trump's recent suggestion during a state visit that military intervention could be an effective means to tackle illegal migration, UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the UK military is focused on national defense priorities. He stated that the UK Border Force is adequately equipped and staffed to manage border security and that the military's role should stay concentrated on more significant defense issues. The UK continues facing challenges with migrants attempting to cross the Channel amid ongoing government efforts to manage and reduce illegal entry.
The UK military is focused on defending the nation rather than stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel, a cabinet minister has said.
US President Donald Trump suggested that military intervention could be used to deal with illegal migration to the UK during his state visit this week.
But Trade Secretary Peter Kyle has rejected that call, telling BBC Breakfast the UK Border Force has specific responsibility for policing UK borders.
Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the Channel earlier today, as the second deportation under the government's 'one in, one out' deal with France took place.
Six boats are believed to have set off from northern France, as smugglers take advantage of a break in the windy weather in the Channel. There had been no crossings for a week before this due to choppy seas.
On Friday morning, an Eritrean man became the second migrant to be deported under the government's deal with France, after he lost a High Court bid to halt his removal. The Home Office tightened the rules around human trafficking claims to win the case.
Trump suggested military force was a better deterrent than the Labour government's approach of diplomatic negotiations for returns and stricter court guidelines.
During a press conference with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers, Trump remarked that illegal migration destroys countries from within and offered to help stop it by any means necessary, including military intervention.
In response, Kyle reaffirmed the functionality of the UK's established Border Force, which has been reinforced and bolstered with new powers. He also highlighted the working relationship the Navy has with the Border Force to ensure security.
While Trump has pushed for tougher measures regarding migration in the U.S., calling for military involvement, Kyle and the UK government prefer to deal with the situation through established border control measures.
The Home Office's new strategy includes tightening immigration controls while planning more deportation flights to deter illegal crossings.
As of this week, over 5,500 migrants have reached the UK since the new scheme began in August, and the government is aiming to enhance the effectiveness of its removal processes.
