asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have made, or intend to make, representations in support of the Holy See's call for the United Nations Security Council to request that the Government of Somalia allow foreign warships into their waters to take action against pirates, such as those who have attacked ships carrying aid that were chartered by the World Food Programme. [HL5337]

We are aware of the Holy See's call to the UN Security Council. The issue has not yet been discussed by the Security Council and we are not aware that any discussion has been scheduled.

However, paragraph 18 of UN Security Council Resolution 1772, adopted unanimously on 20 August, encourages states to use their naval assets in the region to remain alert to piracy and to take appropriate action to protect merchant shipping, in particular the transportation of humanitarian aid. The UK co-sponsored the resolution.

At the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) council meeting in June, the UK also made a statement in support of the IMO Secretary-General's initiative to raise the issue with the UN Security Council.