Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action will be taken by the captain of any British ship operating under the auspices of NATO in the Aegean Sea if they identify a migrant or refugee boat in Greek waters.

Royal Navy assets deployed in support of NATO's activity in the Aegean Sea will conduct reconnaissance and surveillance of illegal crossings. Migrant boats identified will, in the first instance, be reported to the Turkish and Greek coastguards and the EU Frontex mission for interdiction. However, if a migrant vessel was in distress, the Royal Navy ship would provide assistance, in accordance with international obligations.