Middle East: Shipping
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what co-ordination is taking place with (a) NATO allies and (b) international partners to secure maritime trade routes in the Middle East and deter attacks on commercial shipping.
Answered by Al Carns
The Government keeps deployments and force posture under constant review. I cannot comment further for reasons of operational security.
Securing maritime trade in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz requires a combined international effort. The UK with France is leading that effort, with representatives from over 40 nations, not just NATO members, attending the Defence Ministers meeting on the 12 May.
Planning for the independent and defensive Multinational Military Mission continues. The mission will be distinct from any other military campaign and will commence only when conditions permit, demonstrating a tangible commitment to the security of international trade and freedom of navigation. The UK has committed autonomous mine hunting equipment and cutting-edge counter drone systems, along with Typhoon jets and the destroyer HMS Dragon.
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