In brief
During a live BBC interview in the English Channel, a French patrol boat PSP Flamant fired a series of shots without warning, prompting MP Chris Philp to accuse the navy of intimidation. The incident took place about three miles off the French coast and was later described as a routine training drill by French authorities. Philp criticised the French approach to migrant crossings, claiming that the navy’s willingness to shoot live rounds at visitors contrasts with the perceived leniency toward smuggling operations. A Home Office spokesperson said it was in contact with French officials to understand the full context of the event. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over channel security and the conduct of naval forces in shared waters.
A French patrol boat in the English Channel fired 17 shots during a BBC interview with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. The incident occurred about three miles from the French coast around 9:15 BST, when the boat passed the fishing vessel hosting the interview.
Philp and the BBC journalist described the gunfire as sudden and unannounced, leading the MP to accuse the navy of intimidation tactics aimed at discouraging coverage of migrant crossings. French officials later clarified that the shots were part of a routine training exercise, stating that the patrol boat was not targeting the British vessel and remained out of range.
The fishing boat’s captain, Matt Coker, noted that such an event was unprecedented, and the patrol officer positioned at the rear of the boat was seen pointing a pistol toward the sea. This action appears to be where the shots originated.
In response, Philp pledged to raise the issue with the French ambassador, asserting that the French navy’s readiness to fire on visitors contrasted sharply with its allegedly tolerant stance toward smuggling. A Home Office spokesperson confirmed ongoing contact with French authorities to understand the incident’s full context.
Earlier this month, a Russian warship also conducted a live‑fire exercise off the English coast, underscoring broader tensions surrounding maritime security in the region.
