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 the smugglers make the most of a break in the windy weather in the Channel. There had been no crossings for a week before then 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.
But Trump suggested military force was a better deterrent than the Labour government's approach of diplomatic negotiations agreeing returns and toughening up court guidance.
Speaking alongside Sir Keir Starmer at a press conference at the prime minister's country residence Chequers, Trump claimed that illegal migration destroys countries from within and stated that he could stop it by any means necessary, including military action.
In response, Kyle noted that the UK has a functional relationship between the military and the Border Force and that the navy could be involved if needed. However, he emphasized that military resources should prioritize national defense issues.
Trump has previously issued executive orders aimed at restricting asylum for migrants at the southern U.S. border and deploying troops to support border security efforts.
The Conservatives and Reform UK are advocating for tougher migration actions; however, neither party has proposed using military force. Reform UK suggested towing small boats back to France as a last resort.
The new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is committed to countering what she describes as vexatious, last-minute claims from migrants, while Kyle highlighted the goal of ensuring swift deportations of individuals without asylum rights to deter future crossings.
