Royal Navy: Escort Vessels

Lord Rosser Excerpts

Monday 17th June 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines continues to provide a key element of our high-readiness response force. With the Royal Navy’s amphibious shipping, 3 Commando Brigade has strategic reach and is able to land and sustain from the sea a commando group of up to 1,800 personnel, together with protective vehicles and other equipment. Other elements of the Royal Marines continue to undertake a wide range of tasks, including protecting the nuclear deterrent and contributing to operations against piracy in the Indian Ocean.

[Lord Rosser]

My Lords, there is a significant gap in our maritime surveillance capability. How and when do the Government intend to plug it?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, there is no gap. Everything is carefully thought out. We would not be irresponsible enough to do what the noble Lord said.