Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the (a) schedule and (b) budget for replacing the Border Force’s fleet of five cutters and six coastal patrol vessels.

The schedule for replacing the Border Force’s fleet of five cutters and six coastal patrol vessels is, as set out in the refresh of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, framed around the existing vessels approaching the end of their lives and requiring replacement over the next five years. This timeframe is subject to confirmation, reflecting factors such as requirement specification, procurement approach and supplier capacity.

The Budget on 27 October 2021 announced funding of £74m over the Spending Review period. The full cost of the programme, including beyond the Spending Review period remains to be confirmed, reflecting supplier and other engagement.