Defence chiefs have denied the Royal Navy will aggressively use warships to tackle the migrant crisis in the Channel.
A senior source stressed warships will not be bearing down on boats and forcing them back to France.
Despite taking over operations, they said sailors would take a “hands-off” approach, adding: “Border Force will still provide the interface between the public and the border.”
Officials are also said to be drawing up plans to process asylum applications in countries such as Ghana and Rwanda.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “This Government considers all options in terms of people with no legal basis to be in our country.”
At least 28,431 migrants successfully made the voyage last year – treble the total from 2020. But 27 people died two months ago when their inflatable sank off Calais.
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West said the warship plan would not stop the attempted crossings.
He said: “If I was a people trafficker, I would say to them all, ‘Get in your little boat, the Royal Navy is now in control, you will be taken to Britain’.”
Last night it was claimed No10 policy chiefs discussed using sonic weapons.
They asked if loud hailers fitted to vessels could fire high-frequency noise powerful enough to cause sickness but were knocked back by the Home Office, Sky News reported.Care4Calais founder Clare Moseley said using the military was “disproportionate and inhumane”.
Safe Passage International said the Government should open “safe routes for refugees”.
