A UK cabinet minister has rejected President Trump’s suggestion to use the military in tacking illegal migration stating that the UK military is focused on defending the nation rather than stopping asylum seekers from crossing the Channel.

US President Donald Trump suggested that military intervention could be used to deal with illegal migration to the UK during his state visit.

But Trade Secretary Peter Kyle has rejected that call, telling BBC Breakfast the UK Border Force has specific responsibility for policing UK borders.

Speaking at a press conference at Chequers on Thursday alongside Sir Keir Starmer at the prime minister’s country residence Chequers, Trump suggested military force was a better deterrent than the Labour government’s approach of diplomatic negotiations agreeing returns and toughening up court guidance.

 He expressed that such force was needed as illegal migration “destroys countries from within.