Tory MP accuses French navy of firing ‘warning’ shots near him in Channel

Tory MP Chris Philp claims French navy fired "warning shots" near him in the English Channel while he was filming an interview about the small boats crisis. Philp, speaking on a fishing vessel near Boulogne, stated the shots felt like "deliberate intimidation" and an attempt to censor debate. French authorities, however, assert the gunfire was part of a routine training exercise to ensure "operation readiness," with officers unaware of Philp's presence. They maintain all safety protocols were followed and the exercise was unrelated to the British vessel. Experts suggest naval training with small arms is common and unlikely to be an act of intimidation.

During a BBC interview in the English Channel, UK Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp reported hearing 17 gunshots from a French Navy patrol boat. The incident occurred approximately three miles from the French coast at 09:15 BST. Philp, who was discussing small boat crossings, suggested the firing was an intimidation tactic. French authorities stated the shots were part of a training exercise unrelated to the British vessel, which they claimed was out of range. Philp dismissed this explanation as "not credible," citing the absence of any warnings about live firing. The captain of the fishing boat hosting the interview also described the event as unprecedented.