The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has clarified its stance on deploying naval assets to tackle small boat crossings in the English Channel.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Rupert Lowe (Reform UK – Great Yarmouth), Luke Pollard, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Defence, reiterated that the issue falls under the Home Office’s jurisdiction.
Pollard outlined the Home Office’s efforts to address the issue through its newly established Border Security Command:
“The Home Office is the lead Government Department responsible for border security and migration. It has recently established the Border Security Command to strengthen global partnerships and enhance the UK’s efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute people smugglers profiting from the dangerous movement of people across the channel.”
While acknowledging the critical role of defence assets in maritime security, Pollard noted their limited suitability for addressing small boat crossings:
“Defence assets are procured for Defence tasks and are therefore not optimised for the issue the hon. Member raises.”
He highlighted the Royal Navy’s primary role in safeguarding the UK’s maritime security, including monitoring and shadowing foreign warships in UK waters.
In 2024, Royal Navy assets responded to over 25 such transits.
The MOD’s response reflects a division of responsibilities, with the Home Office leading efforts to counter illegal migration and the MOD focusing on broader maritime security. The establishment of the Border Security Command signals a move toward enhancing inter-agency collaboration to address the complex challenge of small boat crossings.
We already have a fleet in the ditch picking up illegals! Just take them back instead of bringing them here!
got to laugh at this one. people calling for the navy that doesn’t exist to sort out an issue that no nations military could do takes the biscuit. how out of touch cable these cretins be?
At least it sounds like this government has learned from the failed attempt to rope in the Navy from not too many years ago.
Yes, that was totally wrong.
If the navy is not supposed to protect the country from invasion then why do we have one at all?
It is entirely different to deal with unarmed people to armed belligerents.
If they were heavily armed then using the baby would be fair enough.
Supposed to read ‘navy’….
got to laugh at this one. people calling for the navy that doesn’t exist to sort out an issue that no nations military could do takes the biscuit. how out of touch cable these cretins be?
Hi folks hope all is well .
This issue is very taxing in all respects. The general British population is fed up with this attitude of seeing to always do the right thing by protecting human rights. Well our track record and history proves as always we step up. It’s not the Royal Navy’s job we already have the so called Boarder Force to do a proper job, they’ve failed on that one!
On a,side issue. Tonight there’s a programme on chanel 4 with Gur Martin with the Royal Marines. Can you experts tell me what ship is being used please. Is one of those that are going to be scraped?
Cheers
George
I note the “political” wording that they will apparently only worry about “people smugglers” rather actual illegal entrants.