Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to increase border security of the UK coast.

Border security is a priority for this Government. We are committed to countering threats to the UK coastline using an intelligence-led approach and through working with the wider law enforcement community. Border Force has long-standing working relationships and intelligence-sharing practices in place, and is increasing interaction with key partners as well as undertaking joint operations in order to disrupt organised criminal gangs looking to facilitate illegal entry into the UK.

Border Force and operational partners are conducting activity on a number of fronts to prevent migrants from entering the UK via clandestine and illegal means, strengthening the coordination of maritime security assets so that maximum coverage at sea is delivered.

As part of our overall approach, Border Force has begun to implement new operational hubs in Cornwall, the Humber and the Thames Estuary. These new initiatives will see officers situated in these particular areas working with local partners to develop our intelligence picture regarding illegal immigration and smuggling activity.

Border Force is also investing in a new fleet of rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBS) as part of a new maritime security strategy. The vessels will patrol the UK coast in conjunction with existing Border Force cutters helping to intercept attempts to smuggle migrants, drugs and dangerous weapons into the country.