Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment has he made of the impact of the long-term unavailability of HMS Protector on British obligations a) under the Antarctic Treaty, b) to fishery inspections in the Southern Ocean and c) hydrographic surveys of waters.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is aware of the unavailability of HMS Protector for the 2026/27 austral summer. The Defence Investment Plan has committed to replace her with a more modern variant to maintain the essential presence and support to Government activities provided by the ice-patrol vessel. Officials are working with MOD counterparts on next steps.