In brief
During his recent visit to the UK, Donald Trump proposed the use of military force as a means of addressing illegal migration, suggesting it could deter potential immigrants. However, Trade Secretary Peter Kyle firmly rejected this idea, stating that military resources should remain focused on national defense while the UK Border Force manages migration at the borders, especially with the growing numbers of migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
The UK military is focused on defending the nation rather than stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel, a cabinet minister has said.
US President Donald Trump suggested that military intervention could be used to deal with illegal migration to the UK during his state visit this week.
But Trade Secretary Peter Kyle has rejected that call, telling BBC Breakfast the UK Border Force has specific responsibility for policing UK borders.
Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the Channel earlier today, as the second deportation under the government's one in, one out deal with France took place.
Six boats are believed to have set off from northern France, as the smugglers make the most of a break in the windy weather in the Channel. There had been no crossings for a week before then due to choppy seas.
On Friday morning, an Eritrean man became the second migrant to be deported under the government's deal with France, after he lost a High Court bid to halt his removal.
But Trump suggested military force was a better deterrent than the Labour government's approach of diplomatic negotiations agreeing returns and toughening up court guidance.
Speaking alongside Sir Keir Starmer at a press conference at the prime minister's country residence Chequers, Trump suggested such force was needed as illegal migration destroys countries from within.
Kyle asserted that the UK Border Force has been reinforced and the navy maintains a functional relationship with the force, emphasizing that the military's primary focus should be on national defense rather than domestic immigration issues.
Meanwhile, political discussions continue regarding stricter measures against illegal migration, though none include military intervention. The government remains committed to deportation plans aimed at deterring future crossings.
