Falklands veteran says migrant boats should be shot

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

A retired Major-General has said small boats carrying migrants across the Channel should be shot.

Major-General Julian Thompson, 92, a former commander of 3 Commando Brigade, made controversial remarks about migrants crossing the English Channel in a YouTube documentary produced by journalist Steven Edginton, broadcast over the weekend. 'I would shoot them,' he said of the small boats. 'We could stop them tomorrow if we really had the guts. I'd shoot them, sorry, but I would.'

Thompson served for over three decades in the Royal Marines after enlisting in 1952. He commanded the ground element of Operation Sutton, the assault at San Carlos Water in May 1982, which proved pivotal in recapturing the Falkland Islands.

His statements drew swift condemnation from both the Home Office and the Shadow Home Secretary. In further remarks to the Mail on Sunday, he claimed: 'As long as they don't come around here, I don't mind what they do' and suggested that if the government did not act, 'there will be a revolution'. He also described Islam as 'a flawed religion'.

How it is being reported

• Falklands war veteran says small boats smuggling migrants over Channel should be 'shot'Major-General Julian Thompson commanded Operation Sutton, the attack at San Carlos Water in May 1982.Daily Express · 12 Oct, 10:53
• Falklands war veteran says dinghies smuggling illegal migrants across Channel should be 'shot'A Falklands war veteran has received backlash after saying he would "shoot" the dinghies smuggling illegal migrants across the English Channel. Major-General Julian Thompson, 92, is a former commander of 3 Commando Brigade who led British ground forces during the Falklands War. His military record is formidable. Enlisting in the Royal Marines in 1952, he served for over three decades and authored numerous works on military history following his retirement. He commanded the ground element of Operation Sutton - the assault at San Carlos Water in May 1982 - the landings that became pivotal in…GB News · 11 Oct, 22:35

In this story: Major-General Julian Thompson · 3 Commando Brigade · English Channel · Falkland Islands · Royal Marines

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