Nigel Farage is facing a backlash from military insiders over his plans to use the Royal Navy to turn back small boats, The i Paper has learnt.
The Reform leader has pledged that if he wins power at the next election, his government will order military vessels to block boats from crossing the Channel in a bid to crack down on uncontrolled migration.
The party argues that the plan, to be put in place within three months of taking office, is a legitimate use of the military because it is part of bolstering the UK’s defence and national security.
Shorts
But former generals and defence insiders are uncomfortable at the armed forces being used for this aim and warn that the plan could even flout international treaties.
