A decorated Falklands War veteran has sparked fierce controversy after saying small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel should be shot, prompting condemnation from politicians and a warning from the Home Office that anyone taking the law into their own hands could face serious criminal consequences.
Major-General Julian Thompson, 92, who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 Falklands conflict and led Operation Sutton at San Carlos Water, made the extraordinary remarks in a YouTube documentary produced by Steven Edginton.
Thompson argued that Britain had allowed irregular Channel crossings to continue for too long and claimed the Government could stop them if it showed greater determination. His comments have reignited the national debate over border security, the role of the armed forces, the treatment of migrants and the limits of lawful enforcement.
The former Royal Marine’s intervention comes as the Government faces continued pressure to prevent dangerous crossings, disrupt people-smuggling networks and reassure communities concerned about the management of irregular migration.
Falklands veteran delivers extraordinary warning
Home Office issues stark warning
Conservative frontbencher rejects opening fire
Channel crossings remain a major political issue
Why military experience does not settle the question
Protest and anger on the south coast
Concerns over rhetoric and community tensions
What should the Government do next?
A controversy with wider consequences
A decorated Falklands War veteran has sparked fierce controversy after saying small boats carrying migrants across the English Channel should be shot, prompting condemnation from politicians and a warning from the Home Office that anyone taking the law into their own hands could face serious criminal consequences.
Major-General Julian Thompson, 92, who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 Falklands conflict and led Operation Sutton at San Carlos Water, made the extraordinary remarks in a YouTube documentary produced by Steven Edginton.
Thompson argued that Britain had allowed irregular Channel crossings to continue for too long and claimed the Government could stop them if it showed greater determination. His comments have reignited the national debate over border security, the role of the armed forces, the treatment of migrants and the limits of lawful enforcement.
The former Royal Marine’s intervention comes as the Government faces continued pressure to prevent dangerous crossings, disrupt people-smuggling networks and reassure communities concerned about the management of irregular migration.