Today’s Defence-related news includes continued coverage of military support to Border Force assets in the Channel.
Naval support with migrant crossings
Coverage continues following a request from the Home Office on Thursday for Royal Navy assistance in the channel to deal with migrant crossings. HMS Mersey has been deployed to the Dover Straits to act as a deterrent to migrants and traffickers and, if necessary, intercept and help those whose lives are in danger. The Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph both focus on the funding being given by the UK Government to France to fund drones, radars and video surveillance on the European side of the border to stop migrants. The Mirror says the French Navy will also join HMS Mersey on Channel patrols, while the story is also covered by The Sun, The Guardian and The Times.
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Defence, said:
I can confirm that HMS Mersey will deploy to the Dover Straits to assist the UK Border Force and French authorities with their response to migrant crossings. The professionalism of the Royal Navy means the crew have been able to immediately divert from routine operations to help prevent migrants from making the dangerous journey across the Channel.
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