UK Considers Navy Role Amid Record Small Boat Migrant Crossings

US President Donald Trump suggested that the UK should deploy its military to control the small boats migrant crisis crossing the English Channel, citing his own administration's success in reducing illegal migration in the US. Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the issue and highlighted recent progress, including the first return of migrants under a new deal with France, but emphasized the complexity and need for a multi-faceted approach. Former Royal Navy head Admiral Lord West criticized Trump's suggestion, stating that military involvement would be ineffective unless the UK could return boats to France, which is currently not permitted. Labour minister Peter Kyle confirmed that while the Royal Navy can support border security if needed, the military's primary focus remains on broader national defense issues. Additionally, Tan Dhesi, chairman of the defence select committee, argued that operational responsibility for managing small boat migrants should not fall to the armed forces. The discussion reflects contrasting views on the role of the military in migration control amid record-high Channel crossings and political pressure to find solutions.