Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions her Department has had with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence on protecting the freedom of navigation of UK commercial shipping through strategically important international waterways.

The security of UK commercial shipping in strategically important international waterways is a key priority for the Department for Transport.

We engage in regular discussions with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Ministry of Defence to exchange information, assess developments affecting the maritime security environment, and support the provision of appropriate advice and guidance to shipping.