Falklands Commander Sparks Outrage With Comments on Machine-Gunning Migrant Boats

Major General Julian Thompson, who commanded the land operation to liberate the Falkland Islands, has ignited controversy with statements suggesting that boats carrying migrants across the English Channel should be met with machine-gun fire.

In a documentary, Thompson stated, "I would shoot them," referring to the migrant vessels. He later clarified that his intention was to aim bullets at the boats, not the occupants. Thompson, 92, who led 3 Commando Brigade during the 1982 conflict, expressed frustration with the ongoing arrivals, saying, "We could stop them tomorrow if we really had the guts. I'd shoot them, sorry, but I would." He added that "one machine-gun blast is all it would take... then they would get the message." Thompson also criticized the UK's leadership as "wet" and suggested a "revolution" if the government did not halt the crossings.

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The remarks have drawn sharp rebukes. A Home Office spokesperson stated that "anyone who seeks to take the law into their own hands is putting lives at risk and will face serious criminal consequences." The Conservative party emphasized that "opening fire on migrant boats would be completely wrong."

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed this sentiment, stating, "Opening fire on migrant boats would be completely wrong." He proposed alternative measures, suggesting that "If the French won't stop the boats near the shore then the British Government should deport every illegal immigrant within a week of arrival." Philp criticized the current government's approach, arguing it allows illegal immigrants to be housed in hotels and flats instead of being deported promptly, and suggested this necessitates leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.

Thompson, who served in the Marines for 34 years and has written extensively on military history, led the amphibious landings at San Carlos Water in 1982. During the YouTube documentary interview, he also commented on the Islamic beliefs of some migrants, calling it "a flawed religion, in that women are totally out. They can be treated like chattels, and children the same." He further lamented the state of Britain, describing it as "just going downhill" and a "sort of funny conglomeration of people."

More than 20,000 small-boat migrants have arrived in the UK this year, a 40 percent decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. However, the average number of migrants per vessel has increased, with approximately 67 individuals on each boat.

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