Written question asked by Lord Soames of Fletching (Conservative) on Wednesday, 19 October 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 October 2016 (named day). It was answered by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Monday, 24 October 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Russia: Warships

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how his Department plans to respond to the movement of Russian naval ships through the English channel.

Answer: The current deployment of Russian ships in the waters around the UK is being carefully tracked. All NATO Allies have a collective responsibility to monitor the path and activity of non-NATO ships and aircraft passing through NATO areas of responsibility. The UK fully upholds its commitments in this regard and will act accordingly. We expect Russian activity to occur in international waters and airspace, and in accordance with international rules.

Secondary information