Shipping: English Channel
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of protections in place for UK-registered civilian vessels in the English channel from Russian military vessels.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones
Defence maintains a constant presence in UK waters to uphold maritime security and deter threats, with a combination of surface and sub-surface vessels, maritime patrol aircraft, and autonomous assets ready to support.
Royal Navy ships closely monitor Russian activity in UK waters and maintain a continuous readiness to respond. Working with other Government departments and agencies, Defence contributes towards UK maritime security in the English Channel to safeguard UK registered civilian vessels and uphold freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. This includes monitoring and, where appropriate, escorting foreign naval vessels.
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