Allegations have been made by a prominent Conservative member that a French warship fired 17 “live rounds” in an attempt to intimidate him while he was filming in the Channel. However, it was later clarified that the incident was actually part of a separate training exercise.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed that during a TV interview, he experienced what seemed like “warning shots or attempted intimidation” from a naval officer. A video shared by Philp captured loud bangs in the background.
In response to the incident, the former Home Office minister criticized the French authorities. They later explained that the warship crew was engaged in training that involved the use of handguns. The situation unfolded as Philp was discussing the decrease in small boat crossings, which have decreased by 10,000 compared to the same period last year, marking a 45% drop.
Philp expressed his concerns, stating, “The French warship fired 17 live rounds behind us at its closest point. There was no prior warning. It felt like these were warning shots, and our skipper mentioned that he had never witnessed such an event in all his years sailing in the Channel.”
The British Government has reached out to French authorities for clarification. In a statement from the Prefecture maritime Manche mer du Nord, it was clarified that the vessel, Flamant, was conducting a handgun firing exercise near Cape Gris-Nez.
“French navy units engage in regular training exercises to maintain their operational readiness in the current international climate,” the statement elaborated. “Individual combat training is a standard part of a vessel’s operations.”
The statement further clarified that the firing exercise followed international standards, with the necessary signals displayed and safety protocols observed. The exercise was independent of the presence of a British vessel in the vicinity, which was out of range of the shots fired.
Denying any involvement in migrant boat surveillance, the French authorities’ explanation was met with skepticism by Philp, who deemed it “not credible.” He emphasized the lack of prior warnings regarding live firing exercises and highlighted the proximity of the shots to their location.
Philp went on to criticize France for not doing enough to prevent risky crossings while resorting to intimidation tactics against those exposing the issue. Recent Home Office data indicates that up to July 26, 13,350 individuals have reached the UK through small boats, compared to 24,081 at the same point in 2025. The current figures are also lower than 2024 when the Conservatives were in power until July 5.
Notably, both 2022 and 2023 saw over 15,000 arrivals by the same timeframe. BBC journalist Michael Keohan described the incident as unusual, with the French vessel firing in close proximity, approximately 300 meters away.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham defended the UK government’s strategy to address small boat crossings in the Channel, citing a decrease in overall numbers. Since assuming office, nearly 900 migrants have crossed from France to the UK, including a group of 165 people on a large dinghy.
Burnham commended the Home Secretary’s robust plan, emphasizing the importance of thorough checks to ensure national security. He acknowledged the need for continued efforts to exert control over the situation and reiterated the importance of proper safeguards for individuals.
Recent initiatives, such as the agreement with France to increase beach patrols and link payments to outcomes, aim to curb the influx of migrants crossing the Channel.
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