Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Royal Navy’s press release of 9 January 2024, entitled HMS Richmond heads to Gulf to support Diamond and Lancaster safeguard shipping, when he plans HMS Richmond will arrive on station.

The Department does not normally comment on deployments due to operational sensitivity, however in this case, as announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Department can confirm that HMS RICHMOND arrived on 5 February 2024 to replace HMS DIAMOND. This follows HMS DIAMOND’s service on operations defending shipping against continued Houthi attacks.

HMS RICHMOND now takes on the mantle, safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden alongside other Royal Navy, UK & NATO Partners, as part of the UK’s enduring commitment to ensuring Freedom of Navigation, and maintaining security of global shipping lanes.