‘Operation bouncy castle!’ Ex-Royal Navy officer mocks Reform’s small boats plan

Announcing the policy today, Nigel Farage said Reform would stop illegal crossings in two weeks after winning a General Election by deploying the Royal Navy to the English Channel.

“I think it's more like Operation Bouncy Castle at the moment,” Mr Fawcett said, adding: “There's a few holes in this dinghy.”

The Labour councillor raised concern that the policy could break “really important” maritime agreements.

“I never want any mariner to be faced with a situation where a reciprocal nation isn't going to give them help.”

He also argued the Royal Navy was not equipped for the task, following years of decline.

“The landing platform docks have been decommissioned. The River class patrol vessels are being decommissioned. We don’t have the assets.”

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