To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the ability of the Royal Navy to (a) monitor and (b) prevent the landing of (i) terrorists and (ii) illegal immigrants from small boats on UK beaches. [98239]
The Home Office is responsible for United Kingdom counter-terrorism policy, and the lead for domestic security lies with the civil authorities. Royal Navy ships conduct many routine operations and exercises around the United Kingdom throughout the year, and any of these ships could be diverted to meet a requirement at the specific request of the civil authorities. In addition, the Fleet Ready Escort, a Frigate or Destroyer continuously available at a high state of readiness, is at short notice to respond to any incident in United Kingdom waters.