French vessel appears to fire '17 live rounds' behind Conservative MP

A French Flamant-class patrol vessel allegedly fired “17 live rounds” while Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp was being interviewed by the BBC on a boat in the Channel. Philp said the gunfire came from the closest point to his vessel and that there were no warnings, describing it as “warning shots or attempted intimidation.” French authorities, via the Prefecture maritime Manche mer du Nord, said the incident was a handgun firing exercise off Cape Gris-Nez, that required safety signals were displayed, and that it was outside the range of shots. Philp said he will raise the matter with France’s ambassador, while he and others questioned the French explanation.