Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the Ministry of Defence Police fulfil in the civilian areas beyond the perimeter of HMNB Clyde and the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport that Police Scotland currently (a) do not and (b) cannot.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Police officers have historically routinely undertaken external unarmed patrols in the vicinity of Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, which includes the Royal Naval Armaments Depot Coulport. In 2003, as part of the overall protective security arrangements for both establishments, MOD introduced armed external patrols following full consultation with the then Strathclyde Police and local community stakeholders. This agreement remains extant with the Police Service of Scotland.

The extent of MOD Police patrol activity is determined as part of the Naval Base security arrangements and are covered by an agreement with Police Scotland. MOD Police officers are trained to national police standards and remain under the operational command of the Chief Constable of MOD Police whilst on external patrols. Responsibility for the maintenance and enforcement of the law in Scotland rests with the Chief Constable of Police Scotland.

There has been no increase to routine MOD Police patrols outside the two establishments during the last 24 months although the MOD keeps security at all of its establishments under review and there are no current plans to expand these external patrols. Any proposals to increase external MOD Police patrols would be agreed with Police Scotland.