Major-General Julian Thompson, the retired Royal Marine commander who led the ground operation during the 1982 Falklands conflict, has sparked controversy following remarks advocating the use of lethal force against migrant boats crossing the English Channel. In a recent documentary broadcast on YouTube, Maj Gen Thompson said he would “shoot” migrant vessels, a comment that drew swift condemnation from government officials and politicians.

Thompson, 92, who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the Falklands War’s amphibious landings at San Carlos Water, stated that the flow of migrants arriving on UK shores could be halted immediately “if we really had the guts.” He clarified in subsequent comments that his suggestion was to target the boats themselves rather than the people on board. He also expressed concerns about migrants “raping our girls” and warned that a failure to stop these crossings could lead to social unrest, criticizing political leaders as ineffective.

The remarks were made during an interview with journalist Steven Edginton, featured in a documentary focused on mass immigration to Britain. According to official figures, over 20,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, representing a decline of around 40% compared to the same period in 2025. However, the average number of migrants per vessel has increased to approximately 67 individuals.

Maj Gen Thompson, who joined the Royal Marines in 1952 and served for 34 years before retiring and becoming an author of military history, also made comments on the cultural and religious backgrounds of many migrants. He described Islamic beliefs as “flawed” with respect to the treatment of women and children, and expressed a bleak view of Britain’s current social and political state.

The Home Office responded to Thompson’s comments by emphasizing that taking the law into one’s own hands would have “serious criminal consequences.” A spokesman reiterated the government’s focus on curbing illegal crossings through legal avenues.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the notion of using force against migrants, calling it “completely wrong.” Philp cited the need for a stronger immigration enforcement policy, including deporting illegal arrivals swiftly and suggested that Britain’s continued adherence to the European Convention on Human Rights limits the government’s ability to do so. He criticized the Labour government for what he described as a weak approach, noting that many migrants are currently housed in hotels and flats rather than being deported.

The remarks by Maj Gen Thompson have reignited debate over how best to manage migration across the Channel, highlighting the tensions between security concerns, humanitarian considerations, and political responsibility.