Falklands commander criticised for urging gunfire on migrant boats
Major-General Julian Thompson, the 92-year-old former commander of British land forces in the 1982 Falklands War, has provoked criticism after saying Channel migrant boats should be machine-gunned. He told a documentary, “I’d shoot them”, later clarifying that he meant shooting at the vessels rather than their occupants. The Home Office warned that taking the law into one’s own hands could bring serious criminal consequences, and the Conservatives said opening fire would be wrong.
Thompson argued that force would deter crossings and made further inflammatory comments about migrants and Islam. More than 20,000 people have arrived in the UK by small boat so far this year, 40 per cent fewer than over the same period in 2025; the average number aboard each boat has risen to 67. Thompson led the land operation at San Carlos Water during the Falklands conflict and served in the Royal Marines for 34 years.
- Falklands commander called for machine-gunning migrant boats.
- He said he meant firing at vessels, not people.
- The Home Office warned of serious criminal consequences.
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The Falklands War was fought between Britain and Argentina in 1982 over the Falkland Islands, which Argentina claims and Britain administers. Julian Thompson commanded British land forces during the campaign, including at San Carlos Water, and later left the Royal Marines after 34 years.
Small boats crossing the English Channel have become a focus of debate about migration and border controls. More than 20,000 people have arrived in the UK by this route so far this year, while the average number of people on each boat has risen.
The Home Office is responsible for immigration policy and has warned that using force independently could lead to serious criminal consequences. The dispute touches on how the government responds to crossings, the safety of people at sea and the limits of what individuals may do under the law.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Those arguing for forceful intervention could say that dangerous crossings should be disrupted and that a credible deterrent might save lives by discouraging people from making the journey. They might also argue that the state has a duty to protect its borders and prevent criminal smuggling networks from exploiting migrants.
The case against
Those opposing gunfire could argue that shooting at boats risks killing or seriously injuring people, including children, and could turn an already perilous crossing into a catastrophe. They would stress that border enforcement must operate within the law and that deterrence should rely on measures that protect life and uphold due process.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Furore as Marine commander who liberated the Falklands says: Machine-gun the migrants’ boats”.