The UK military is focused on defending the nation rather than stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel, a cabinet minister has said.
US President Donald Trump suggested that military intervention could be used to deal with illegal migration to the UK during his state visit this week.
But Trade Secretary Peter Kyle has rejected that call, telling BBC Breakfast the UK Border Force has specific responsibility for policing UK borders.
Hundreds of migrants attempted to cross the Channel earlier today, as the second deportation under the government's 'one in, one out' deal with France took place.
Six boats are believed to have set off from northern France, as the smugglers make the most of a break in the windy weather in the Channel. There had been no crossings for a week before then due to choppy seas.
On Friday morning, an Eritrean man became the second migrant to be deported under the government's deal with France, after he lost a High Court bid to halt his removal.
The Home Office tightened the rules around human trafficking claims to win the case.
Trump suggested military force was a better deterrent than the Labour government's approach of diplomatic negotiations agreeing returns and toughening up court guidance.
Speaking alongside Sir Keir Starmer at a press conference at the prime minister's country residence Chequers, Trump suggested such force was needed as illegal migration 'destroys countries from within'.
Kyle commented on Trump's claims by emphasizing that the UK Border Force, which has been reinforced and empowered under the current government, is well-equipped to manage border security. He mentioned, 'The navy actually does have a working relationship with the UK Border Force, and the navy can be called upon if needed.'
He insisted, however, that the military's focus should remain on more pressing national defense issues.
Against the backdrop of over 5,500 migrants reaching the UK since the beginning of August, the government hopes that ongoing deportation flights will deter potential crossings.
