French Navy carries out 'shooting drill' mid interview

What the report says

BBC World News reported that a French Navy patrol boat conducted a handgun firing drill in the English Channel while Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp was being interviewed by the BBC about small boat crossings. The incident happened at about 09:15 BST on 28 July, roughly three miles off the French coast, as a French vessel passed the fishing boat hosting the interview.

BBC journalist Michael Keohan said 17 shots were heard from the patrol boat, which was about 300 metres away, and said the British crew received no advance signal or warning. Images cited by the BBC showed a French patrol officer at the rear of the boat pointing a pistol toward the sea. The fishing boat’s captain, Matt Coker, told the BBC he had not witnessed anything similar before.

Philp said the episode felt like intimidation or warning fire aimed at discouraging coverage of migrant crossings, and said he planned to raise the matter with the French ambassador. He also criticised French handling of Channel crossings, saying France should show smugglers the same seriousness he believed was directed at him.

French authorities told the BBC the vessel, identified as PSP Flamant, was carrying out a training exercise unrelated to the British boat and said that boat was outside the firing range. They also said the French patrol boat was not involved in monitoring migrant boats at the time. A UK Home Office spokesperson said officials were contacting French authorities to establish the wider context. The episode comes amid continuing political sensitivity over Channel crossings and maritime security in the area.