Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 January 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 January 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Turks and Caicos Islands: Undocumented Migrants

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) adequacy of the capabilities and (b) effectiveness of support for the Turks & Caicos Islands relating to illegal small boats.

Answer

Whilst immigration is a devolved responsibility of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Government, the UK continues to support TCI in tackling irregular migration challenges and illicit maritime activity. I visited TCI in November 2024 and was briefed by National Security and Border Force leads, joined the maritime police patrol team and visited the maritime operations centre to see first-hand the impact of FCDO-funded advanced coastal sensors.

Further FCDO support on borders for TCI includes procuring new marine assets for the police that will arrive by February 2025 and funding the accommodation of US air crews based in TCI to improve maritime surveillance. HMS Medway, the Royal Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessel based in the Caribbean, visited the TCI in November 2024 to provide reassurance and exercise with TCI authorities, including the TCI Regiment. I continue to discuss with ministerial colleagues additional support to bolster the resilience of TCI agencies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20942
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Undocumented migrants Turks and Caicos Islands
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk