Politics around the globe

Royal Navy unlikely to pursue Channel refugee ‘pushback’ policy

Published on Gennaio 17, 2022

Military preparing options for No 10 but use of warships to turn back refugees seen as disproportionate

The Royal Navy is not expected to pursue a controversial Home Office policy of pushing back refugee dinghies towards France once the military is given responsibility for small boat Channel crossings.

Navy sources said officers had little interest in carrying out the “pushback” policy put forward by Priti Patel, the home secretary, but which is opposed by trade unions and charities, who argue it is illegal.