Migrant Crossings: Role of the Military

Debate between Ian Lavery and James Heappey

Tuesday 18th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[James Heappey]

My right hon. Friend’s exhortations and those of colleagues have been heard.

[Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab)]

On a point of clarification, the reason why there are lots of questions from the Opposition is that this is an urgent question—that is what we are doing here.

I would like to ask the Minister whether the Government have seriously been considering using sonic boom weaponry against people seeking to come to this country in already hazardous conditions in the channel. Can he please explain to the House what impact that weaponry has when used on individuals? May I also say that Operation Red Meat or Operation Save Big Dog—whatever you want to call it—is not in my name?

[James Heappey]

The hon. Gentleman’s last point is self-evident. The use of sonic weapons is something that people have been exploring around Government. The Royal Navy is clear that they will not be used by the Royal Navy. As the operation will be under Royal Navy command, it will be down to the Royal Navy commander whether he wishes other agencies to use them.