To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether all vessels comprising the EU Operation Atlanta under the command of Rear Admiral Phil Jones fly the European Union flag; and from what position the flag is displayed on each vessel. (245225)

On 3 December the EU Force Commander of Operation Atlanta issued an instruction to the EU task force that all vessels in the force should fly the European Union flag in addition to their national ensigns.

The EU flag will be flown from the yard arm; this is the position in which the NATO flag would be flown if the vessels were participating in a NATO operation. National ensigns will continue to be flown from the number one position on the stern or main mast.