Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have entered into any arrangement with the government of the Republic of Ireland with regard to providing naval protection to the seas off Ireland.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

On 13 March 2026 the Secretary of State for Defence, and the Irish Minister for Defence announced the signing of the refreshed UK-Ireland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The refreshed MoU will see the UK Armed Forces and the Irish Defence Forces strengthen their maritime security cooperation to better protect critical undersea infrastructure and develop improved response mechanisms to maritime security incidents. This will strengthen UK-Ireland naval cooperation however UK does not provide defence cover for Ireland. Matters relating to Ireland’s defence remain for the Irish Government.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of conflicts between protesters in Manchester following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including reports of men on horseback wearing armbands and threatening individuals.

Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)

This government upholds the democratic right that people must be free to peacefully express their views, but they must do so within the bounds of the law.

Where the activity of protestors breaks the law, the police have the government’s backing to use their powers to respond.

It would not be appropriate for Ministers to intervene in those operational decisions, but we continue to work closely with policing to ensure they have the right capabilities and support in place to keep the public safe and uphold the law.

The Home Secretary launched an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation on 5 October 2025 led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC. The review will ensure police powers remain fit for purpose, are used consistently, and strike the right balance between protecting the public and upholding the right to lawful protest.  It is expected to report in the spring.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have asked the government of Greece to provide naval protection to UK interests in Cyprus in the absence of Royal Naval vessels in the Mediterranean.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government has not asked the government of Greece to provide naval protection to UK interests on the island of Cyprus.