Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to utilise the Maritime Volunteer Service to assist the UK Border Force in patrolling and ensuring the security of UK inshore waters.

Border Force is maximising the security of the UKs coastline and inshore waterways through a variety of means. For example, the Project KRAKEN network is directed at public spirited volunteers who provide ‘intelligence’ based on any unusual activity observed. Border Force is extending Kraken’s reach and will work with the Maritime Volunteer Service to ensure that they are fully engaged.

Border security is a priority for this Government. We are committed to countering threats to the UK coastline using an intelligence-led approach and through working with the wider law enforcement community. Border Force has long-standing working relationships and intelligence-sharing practices in place, and is increasing interaction with key partners as well as undertaking joint operations in order to disrupt organised criminal gangs who will seek to exploit any border weaknesses. Whilst training and duty of care issues mean that it might not be appropriate for Border Force to directly task the Maritime Volunteer Service their voluntary participation within these existing programs is very welcome.