Farage denies Reform would let troops shoot migrants after Jenrick's 'lethal force' claim splits the party

Nigel Farage has distanced himself from Robert Jenrick's call for Royal Marines to use lethal force against migrants crossing the Channel, saying force would only be met with force against criminal smuggling gangs. Jenrick made the incendiary pledge on Talk TV on Monday, calling Reform "the only political party with the courage to say this." Defence Readiness Minister Luke Pollard branded the proposal "disgusting and illegal."

Jenrick said a Reform government would deploy Royal Marines in the Channel and authorise lethal force if necessary to stop small boat crossings.

Zia Yusuf backed the hardline position, doubling down and describing people-smuggling networks as "evil people."

Critics pointed out that Jenrick, who hopes to become chancellor, was willing to publicly endorse shooting people arriving by boat in desperate circumstances.