Chris Philp Accuses French Navy of Intimidation After Live Fire

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused the French Navy of attempted intimidation after a Flamant-class patrol vessel fired 17 live rounds from a handgun near his boat on July 28, 2026. The incident occurred in the English Channel approximately two miles off the French coast near Cap Gris-Nez while Philp was being interviewed by the BBC regarding illegal migrant crossings. Philp stated the warship came within 300 meters of his vessel and fired at the closest point of approach without any prior warning.

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces and the Prefecture maritime Manche mer du Nord rejected these claims, asserting the shooting was a pre-planned handgun firing exercise involving a towed target. French authorities maintained that the exercise complied with international safety standards and that required regulatory signals were displayed. However, Philp dismissed this explanation as not credible, noting that no live firing exercises had been announced via VHF radio.

Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the nature of the shots; a reporter from The Times observed a French navy officer firing into the water, aiming away from the MP. The Government of the United Kingdom is currently seeking a full explanation from French authorities. Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge described the event as pretty shocking, while Philp suggested the gunfire was an attempt to obstruct coverage of migrant crossings.