Operation Red Meat: Tory Blunder Fails to Stop Channel Migrant Influx
The so-called “Operation Red Meat” has sparked outrage, with critics slamming it as a cheap political stunt. The Conservatives are accused of throwing “red meat” to angry voters, hoping Brits will believe this stunt will stop the migrant boats landing on the Kent coast. Reality check: it hasn’t worked – and may have made things worse.
MP Phillip Hollobone Calls Out the Policy
In the House of Commons, Tory MP Phillip Hollobone shredded the government’s approach. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) took charge of Channel operations on April 14, 2022, after Border Force failed to control the surge of illegal crossings.
All Border Force vessels and the Clandestine Channel Threat Commander’s team were handed over to the MOD. Yet despite the heavy military involvement, the crossings didn’t slow down.
Costly MOD Intervention Proves Pointless
The government splashed out over £1.1 million in the first month alone on MOD operations – that’s a staggering £34,000 a day to watch dinghies and track migrants.
In truth, the MOD ended up functioning more like a taxi service than a border security force. Their role: spotting boats, monitoring, tracking, and helping process illegal arrivals. And that price tag only covers MOD staff—not the full cost.
Less Patrol Means More Migrants Reach UK Shores
Experts warn the real fallout is yet to come. With fewer vessels actively patrolling the Channel, more migrants will likely land on British beaches.
The bottom line? Operation Red Meat looks like little more than a costly show with no bite—leaving taxpayers footing the bill and the Kent coast more vulnerable than ever.
