'Even if Macron won't like it': The plan to send the British Navy to fight immigration

157 migrants were rescued this morning in the English Channel after their boat's engine caught fire. The incident comes amid a growing wave of migration, less than a week after the border breach in Ceuta. Yesterday, Nigel Farage revealed a plan to deploy the British Navy in the Channel to prevent crossings, ignoring French opposition. Prime Minister Burnham promised to act 'without mercy' against smugglers.

157 migrants were rescued this morning (Tuesday) after a boat they were trying to cross from France to Britain caught fire in the English Channel. According to the French maritime authority, the boat's engine caught fire due to a fuel leak and the vessel began to break apart, forcing passengers to jump into the sea. The boat had left a village in Normandy yesterday, and five of its passengers were rescued during the night, but the others refused help. All 157 rescued were taken to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The incident comes amid a growing wave of migration: on July 29, a daily record of 752 migrants was recorded. Yesterday, Nigel Farage revealed the 'Operation Fortress' plan to deploy the Royal Navy in the Channel to intercept boats and return them to France or Belgium. The French Interior Ministry rejected the plan as a violation of sovereignty, but Farage made clear it would be carried out even without consent. Prime Minister Andy Burnham promised to act 'without mercy' and doubled the number of National Crime Agency officers.