No 10 policy bosses have explored the use of powerful sonic weapons to force migrants to turn around in the English Channel, amid a growing row over how to handle the situation.
The Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) are already installed on two Border Force vessels but are used to issue voice commands. They were purchased by the Ministry of Defence for use as loud-speakers during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
However, Downing Street policy experts called for them to be used as sound cannons which emit loud, high-frequency noise powerful enough to induce vomiting.
Currently used in the United States to disperse crowds and tested by the Greek government against migrants crossing the sea, their use is controversial.
The request was turned down by the Home Office after senior figures suggested the plan would not work.
It comes amid a growing blame game over a failure to stop people from crossing the Channel in small boats, despite repeated policy announcements and pledges to get a grip.
The Navy is set to take central command of the issue after the Home Office won the backing of the prime minister for the plan.
A Home Office source said the involvement of the Navy would protect against strike action proposed by Border Force staff, angry over plans to turn back small boats in the Channel.
The French government has said such a plan would be illegal and it would not accept migrants being returned to its water in this way.
Sky News has been told that the prime minister vented his frustration at Home Secretary Priti Patel in a meeting at the end of last year after nearly 30 people died in one crossing in late November.
A senior Home Office source said Ms Patel had been pushing for military involvement for some time and had…
Source : skynews
