During a BBC interview with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp MP about migrant crossings, a French Navy patrol boat conducted a live-fire handgun drill in the English Channel without prior warning.

The incident occurred around 09:15 BST (10:15 CET), approximately three miles off the French coast. BBC journalist Michael Keohan, who was conducting the interview aboard a fishing vessel, reported hearing 17 shots fired from the French patrol boat roughly 300 meters away.

Keohan noted that no warnings or signals were given to their boat before the gunfire began. A French patrol officer was observed aiming a pistol toward the sea, although it remains unclear what the shots were targeting.

Chris Philp described the event as an intimidation tactic intended to deter media coverage of migrant crossings. He criticized the French authorities for showing more resolve in firing live rounds at a British politician than in preventing illegal Channel crossings, which he said are effectively passed on to British authorities.

The captain of the fishing boat hosting the interview, Matt Coker, expressed surprise, saying he had never witnessed a similar occurrence.

French officials clarified that the live-fire exercise was part of routine training unrelated to the presence of the British vessel and stated the patrol boat was not engaged in migrant monitoring operations. They also emphasized that the British boat was outside the range of the exercise.

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed ongoing communications with French authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the event.

Context and Reactions

  • The French patrol boat involved was identified as PSP Flamant.
  • Chris Philp intends to raise the matter with the French ambassador.
  • Similar naval exercises have recently occurred near British waters, including a Russian warship conducting live-fire drills south of Plymouth.

This episode highlights ongoing tensions in the English Channel concerning migrant crossings and maritime security operations by French and British authorities.