MP to Contact French Ambassador Over Naval Firing Drill

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, intends to contact the French ambassador to seek an explanation for a live firing exercise conducted by a French naval vessel. The drill took place close to a boat on which Mr Philp was participating in interviews in the English Channel.

Speaking after the event in Dover, Mr Philp stated his intention to contact the ambassador by the following Monday to inquire why 17 rounds were discharged near their vessel. The incident was filmed while Mr Philp was discussing Conservative proposals on tackling small boat crossings.

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Official Accounts Differ

Footage from the event captured the sound of approximately 17 shots fired in rapid succession from the French ship. An image taken aboard Mr Philp's boat showed a naval officer discharging a weapon at sea. The French Coastguard maintained that the vessel was engaged in a routine training exercise and that all procedures were adhered to. They added that the firing exercise had no connection to any British vessel in the vicinity and was intended to maintain operational readiness, with safety measures respected.

However, Mr Philp disputed the French authorities' account. He expressed disbelief that the exercise was routine, stating it felt intimidatory and appeared designed to impede their observation of activities in the Channel. He perceived it as a warning.

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Matt Coker, the captain of the boat Mr Philp and the media were on, described the incident as highly unusual. He told the BBC that in his 28 years at sea, he had never encountered anything similar. Mr Coker also noted the absence of any warnings via VHF radio or visible flags indicating the impending exercise.

The UK government confirmed it was engaging with French authorities to ascertain the full details surrounding the occurrence.