Shadow home secretary Chris Philp has claimed that shots fired by the French navy in the English Channel were an attempt to intimidate him and prevent his coverage of the small boats crisis. The incident, which occurred during a patrol, has been described by Philp as a deliberate act of aggression.
Philp's Account of the Incident
According to Philp, he was on patrol since early morning, scanning for rubber dinghies carrying illegal immigrants. He reported hearing 17 indistinct pops from a French warship and threw himself to the floor, believing they were under attack. However, crew members on his vessel, a motor torpedo boat disguised as a fishing boat, were unconcerned, noting that a French sailor was firing a handgun away from them into the sea, likely as a test.
Philp dismissed this explanation, insisting the French were using special guns that fire round corners and that he came within a whisker of being hit. He claimed the French were out to eliminate him because he had gotten too close to stopping small boat crossings.
Reactions and Context
A Border Force member commented that exercises involving naval forces often include shots, sometimes blanks, and this may be nothing. Philp ordered him to keep quiet, fearing collaborators. He then called Kemi, urging vigilance, though no small boats had been sighted. Kemi, in turn, wished she could launch a nuclear strike on Calais but ordered Philp to disengage.
Philp refused, stating he is trained to run towards danger. He planned to film a clip of his bravery and complain to the French embassy, criticizing the French for not focusing on people smugglers instead.
Conclusion
The satirical piece highlights Philp's dramatic interpretation of a routine naval exercise, underscoring tensions over the small boats crisis. The incident remains unconfirmed as a genuine threat.
