Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the size of the UK Fishery Protection Squadron fleet that will be needed in the event that a trade agreement is not reached with the EU by 31 December.

Defra and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) are prepared to respond to the challenges of controlling fisheries in English waters at the end of the transition period. The MMO is ready to deploy its assets, personnel and enforcement plan. As this is a devolved policy area, Defra and the MMO are working closely with the Devolved Administrations to ensure there is a consistent and robust UK-wide approach.

In England, the MMO has assessed, and continues to assess, the number of maritime surveillance assets dedicated to fisheries protection in preparation for the end of the transition period. Current provision includes two MMO offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and two OPVs from the Royal Navy Overseas Patrol Squadron, with a further two Royal Navy OPVs available for surge capacity if required. This strong presence will deter against fisheries infringements, while also enabling our agencies to take robust action where they may occur. The MMO is extensively testing its end of transition period operational approach based on a range of potential scenarios, working closely with the Ministry of Defence, Department for Transport and Home Office as well as the Devolved Administrations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to maritime security.