Tories offer ‘red meat’ plans to deflect from PM’s woes

The UK armed forces are to be put in charge of stopping people from travelling across the Channel in small boats. Priti Patel, the home secretary, has been in talks for weeks about the involvement of the military, Whitehall sources said, as the numbers travelling from France have continued through the winter. Reports have claimed plans are also being drawn up to send people to countries such as Ghana and Rwanda for processing and resettlement.

The announcement followed reports that No 10 had launched “Operation Red Meat” amid growing anger as Boris Johnson seeks to sidestep the “partygate” scandal and remain prime minister. A second big policy plan was revealed by culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, one of Johnson’s most loyal allies, when she confirmed the BBC licence fee will be abolished in 2027 – and the broadcaster’s funding will be frozen for the next two years.

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