To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the effectiveness of Operation Ocean Shield, in terms of assisting states to combat piracy and in contributing to lasting maritime security off the Horn of Africa. [HL5452]

NATO's Operation Ocean Shield stood up in August 2009 under UK Command; NATO will conduct a full operational assessment at the end of the year. To date the NATO group has undertaken local engagement in support of its wider aim of building regional capacity for the prevention of piracy. It has also integrated fully with both the EU and CMF counter-piracy operations.