Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the procurement process for the replacement of the UK’s cutter and coastal patrol vessel fleet will be covered by the warships exception set out in Item 47 of Annex 4 of the coverage schedules certified as part of the UK’s accession to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement.

The Budget on 27 October 2021 announced funding of £74m over the spending review period for the replacement of Border Force’s current fleet of five Cutters and six Coastal Patrol Vessels. [The full cost of the programme, including beyond the SR period, is being developed]

Reflecting this we are taking steps to initiate a delivery programme which will include a strategic assessment of how best to maintain and enhance these capabilities.

The procurement process will support operational delivery, wider government objectives and value for money. It will be conducted in line with all relevant legislation and agreements and will appropriately reflect the nature of Border Force operations. My officials continue to work closely with the National Shipbuilding Office, which is leading activity on the refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy.