Royal Navy to boost its protection of fisheries

THE Royal Navy will be able to provide three times the protection to Britain’s fishing fleet postBrexit after a decision to axe three ships was reversed, the Ministry of Defence has said.

HMS Severn – which will operate out of Cardiff – HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey, which currently support the Fishery Protection Squadron, were in the process of being decommissioned.

But, speaking during a visit to Tyneside, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the patrol vessels will be retained for at least the next two years in a move the MoD said would “bolster the UK’s ability to protect our fishing fleet as well as our shores”.

It said the Navy currently provided around 200 days of fishery protection a year and the announcement meant the capacity would increase to 600 days a year if needed.

Each ship will operate from its home city – Newcastle, Liverpool and Cardiff – to boost rapid response in British waters.

The ships have also been used in anti-smuggling and counterterrorism work, and frequently escorted foreign vessels through the English Channel.

Speaking on board HMS Tyne, Mr Williamson said: “Britain’s patrol vessels are essential to protecting our waters, our fisheries and our national security. Safeguarding the future of these three ships will ensure we can respond quickly to incidents at any time, further protecting our waters as we exit the EU.

“By forward-operating these ships from their affiliated locations across the country, it will not only allow them to react quickly, but also strengthen the bonds between the Royal Navy and local communities.”