MPs concerned over ‘worryingly low’ number of boats protecting Britain’s coast

Dover - Image credit: Franz-Peter Tschauner/DPA/Press Association Images

A House of Commons committee has raised concerns over the “worryingly low” number of boats patrolling Britain’s 7,000 miles of coastline.

The Home Affairs Select Committee said there were only three boats currently available, meaning security could be compromised.

The MPs have called for Royal Navy vessels to plug gaps in Britain’s maritime security.

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Although there are five Border Force boats, one is on duty in the Mediterranean tackling people smugglers and the other is currently under maintenance.

The Home Office said security was enhanced by the use of radar and aerial surveillance, and that eight more boats have been ordered.

However, the committee called for Royal Navy ships to be called into action to fill any gaps.

The head of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Mark Serwotka, said: "We have said for years that the Border Force doesn't have enough resources, but successive governments have continued to cut budgets and staff."

The MPs also called for tighter security at smaller ports following a warning from the National Crime Agency that people smugglers are targeting them.