Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the European-led maritime protection mission to be deployed in the strait of Hormuz will operate under the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy.

The UK, along with the US and other allies is now participating in an International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) under a new mandate to mitigate the immediate threat to maritime shipping in the Gulf. This is not part of the Common Security & Defence Policy Framework.

The UK continues to be part of on-going conversations with international allies including European partners and the US on how best we can ensure maritime security in the Gulf and protect freedom of navigation.

Freedom of navigation is in every nation's interest. It is unacceptable to illegally seize a ship going about legitimate business in an internationally-recognised shipping lane. The action we are taking is aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation is maintained.