Fourth Report - Operation Isotrope: the use of the military to counter migrant crossings

The government states that the Prime Minister announced major reforms to UK immigration policy, including the Economic and Migration Development Partnership with Rwanda and confirmed military primacy for small boats migration in the English Channel. It says it had already confirmed the initial policy intent prior to the Prime Minister's announcement.

The government notes the recommendation. The National Shipbuilding Office is working with the Home Office and Border Force on the vessel replacement programme, seeking to maximise UK content wherever possible, as part of the 30-year shipbuilding pipeline.

The Government believes the Committee’s conclusion is premature, stating that the Nationalities and Borders Act and the policy of third country processing will change the dynamic in the Channel.

The government notes the Committee’s conclusions and states that current planning is for Defence to retain primacy of the UK’s operational response until January 2023, at which point the operational requirement and financing arrangements will be reviewed.

The government disagrees with the Committee’s view on the deployment of ‘scarce’ naval resources and states that the commitment can be maintained indefinitely without any significant impact on wider Royal Navy activity.

The government states that the overall division of responsibility is clear: the Home Secretary retains overall accountability, while the Defence Secretary is responsible for the operational response, including identifying, intercepting and managing small boat migrants.

The Government notes the Committee’s view but believes it is reasonable to set out overarching policy aims and strategy in advance of the full details, stating that the MOD, Home Office and others are working closely together on a single cross-Government response.

The Government disagrees with the Committee, stating that there is no significant impact whatsoever on wider Royal Navy or Army activity, as the assets made available to Operation ISOTROPE are already permanently assigned to Home Waters.

The Treasury, Home Office and MoD agreed a £50 million package to enable the delivery of military primacy until early 2023, at which point the requirement and resourcing will be reviewed.

The government acknowledges that countering small boats migration is a complex problem requiring a 'whole of Government' response and states the MOD has been clear on the Royal Navy's role and boundaries, with information published daily on GOV.UK.

The Government believes the Committee’s point on the timing of the announcement is disingenuous, clarifying the sequence of events.

The government states that Defence primacy for tackling small boats migration is part of the Government’s significant overhaul of the immigration system. An additional financial package of £50 million has been agreed with the Treasury and Home Office to ensure the capability uplifts and enhancements required can be delivered.

The government states that Defence primacy for tackling small boats migration is part of the Government’s significant overhaul of the immigration system. An additional financial package of £50 million has been agreed with the Treasury and Home Office to ensure the capability uplifts and enhancements required can be delivered.