Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 24 January 2022 to Question 107452 on Undocumented Migrants: English Channel, what type of request her Department submitted to the Ministry of Defence to request the military's help to assist with Channel crossings.

The Government is determined to prevent further loss of life in the Channel and break the business model of dangerous criminal people smugglers.

The UK armed forces already work closely with Border Force in these operations, given their expertise and experience in maritime operations.

This is a complex global issue requiring a response across the whole of government, and it is right that we pursue all options to prevent illegal crossings and protect life at sea.

The Government’s New Plan for Immigration will help deter illegal migration and break the business model of the criminal gangs.