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Written question asked by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Monday, 26 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 July 2023. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 5 July 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Territorial Waters: Security

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government how many (1) ships or craft, and (2) aircraft, are allocated by each department for security and enforcement operations in the UK's Territorial Seas and Exclusive Economic Zone.

Answer

There are more than 100 surface vessels and 10 crewed aircraft available in the HMG inventory to deliver maritime security. The Government does not confirm exact numbers for operational and security reasons. The number available on any given day is based on operational readiness profiles; for example, requirements for maintenance and training, and use for wider operational tasking. The Joint Maritime Security Centre maintains a record of the HMG inventory, which is regularly reviewed and updated.

In delivering maritime security in the UK Marine Area, the UK operates a layered approach to coastal and maritime defence, including on-shore resources, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, to detect those seeking either to smuggle illicit goods or to facilitate illegal entry into the UK.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL8792
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Aircraft Enforcement Security Shipping Territorial waters
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk