Reform MP blasted over ‘disgusting’ swipe at French WW2 heroes in small boats row
Reform MP Sarah Pochin has come under fire over an attack on the French government after it said Nigel Farage’s plan would be a ‘violation’ of its sovereignty
Sarah Pochin has been blasted for her ‘disgusting’ comment(Image: PA)
A Reform MP has been blasted for a “disgusting” attack which insulted French allies who fought and died in World War Two.
Sarah Pochin posted an angry comment after Nigel Farage’s latest small boats plan was torpedoed by France’s interior ministry. The French government said plans to use the Royal Navy to intercept vessels and return people to France would be a “violation” of its sovereignty.
Ms Pochin responded: “Pity the French did not show the same resolve in defending their sovereignty in June 1940.” More than 90,000 French soldiers died fighting Nazi invaders in 1940, and more than 200,000 military personnel were killed over the course of the war.
Heroic French and British forces kept Hitler’s army at bay so that the Dunkirk rescue operation could go ahead, with over 300,000 troops able to escape.
Labour MP Sam Rushworth responded: “This is a disgusting comment that betrays our allies – the brave French resistance fighters who gave their lives, including facilitating the British retreat at Dunkirk. Comments like this show why Reform is completely unfit to govern.”
And fellow backbencher Josh Fenton-Glynn said: “Over 200,000 French military personnel died fighting the Nazis in World War II 90,000 of whom died in 1940. Sometimes it’s not clear if this ignorance is performative or actual.”
Gavin Barwell, a former Tory MP who served as Theresa May’s chief of staff, said: “Nearly 100,000 Frenchmen died defending their country in 1940 But you wouldn’t know that because you are the apotheosis of the politics of ignorance.”
And ex-UKIP leader Henry Bolton said: “Sarah we tease the French, but you are simply insulting them. France lost 92,000 servicemen dead in 1940. Another 24,000 lost their lives fighting for the resistance. In all, they lost around 215,000 dead in WW2. That’s some pretty tough resolve.”
On Monday Mr Farage and Reform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf unveiled plans to dispatch a fleet of boats in the Channel to stop small boats. But military insiders voiced their doubts – while No10 said a similar move had been tried and failed.
In a 25-page document, Reform claimed its proposals would not lead to violence in the sea. It said: “We do not believe for one moment that the French nation or gendarmerie would open fire on Royal Marines conducting a humanitarian mission and transporting civilians.”
It went on to say the chances of a tactical confrontation with France is “incredibly low”. But in a statement the nation’s interior ministry said: “This would be a violation of French sovereignty as well as a violation of maritime law and international law.”
Suspended Labour MP Karl Turner said: “Nigel Farage thinks he can just declare war on France and he expects to be taken seriously by the British people.”
The plan – named Operation Fortress – was unveiled as Mr Farage battles falling ratings amid a string of allegations about his personal and party finances. At Monday’s press conference Mr Farage confirmed reports he had held secret talks about returning as party leader months before the 2024 general election. But he insisted these took place after he accepted a £5million ‘gift’ from Thailand-based crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne.
This money, which was not declared, was being investigated by Parliament’s standards commissioner when Mr Farage stepped down and triggered a by-election in Clacton, Essex. He is battling parody candidate Count Binface after all other major parties refused to engage, branding the contest a circus.
