Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Friday, 6 February 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

HMS Protector: British Antarctic Territory

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the recent performance of HMS Protector in addressing threats to sovereign interests in the British Antarctic Territories.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) remains committed to supporting the UK’s sovereign interests and wider commitments in the Antarctic and South Atlantic. HMS PROTECTOR routinely deploys to the Antarctic Peninsula to undertake activities in support of the UK’s interests, including Antarctic Treaty inspections and station visits in support of the British Antarctic Survey.

The MOD keeps all operational activity under regular review to ensure that the UK’s interests in the South Atlantic are supported, and sovereignty of the British Antarctic Territory is maintained. For this reason, BFSAI personnel have recently conducted an Antarctic overflight, providing a sovereign presence in the British Antarctic Territory.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
109078
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Sovereignty British Antarctic Territory HMS Protector
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk