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Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 2 March 2026UIN 114304

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) operational, (b) logistical and (c) legal constraints on the the ability of the Royal Navy to conduct (i) deterrence or (ii) interdiction operations against small boat migrant people-smuggling activities within UK territorial waters in the English Channel.

Answered by Al Carns

The Home Office, through the Border Security Command, is the lead Government Department responsible for tackling illegal migration and people‑smuggling in the English Channel. His Majesty’s Coastguard is responsible for search and rescue at sea. Their responses to the issue of small boat migration are underpinned by the UK’s legal obligations as a responsible maritime nation.

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