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Written question asked by Lord Radice (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 April 2016, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 May 2016. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Monday, 9 May 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Human Trafficking: Mediterranean Sea

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what contribution they are making to Operation Sophia (EUNAVFOR MED), and what assessment they have made of the success of that operation to date.

Answer

The UK is making a significant contribution to Operation Sophia, the European Union's naval operation countering migrant smugglers in the central Mediterranean. HMS ENTERPRISE has been deployed since 4 July 2015 (with a Merlin helicopter between July and October), and was joined by HMS RICHMOND for October and November. The UK is also contributing five staff officers in the Operational Headquarters.

HMS ENTERPRISE's work has been valuable in developing a picture of the maritime environment and smuggling routes, and UK ships have picked up almost a third of the total number of migrants rescued. HMS ENTERPRISE will remain deployed to Operation Sophia until the end of August. The UK contribution to Operation Sophia is one part of the Government's overall comprehensive approach to tackling the migrant crisis, which seeks to address the root causes of migration as well as its consequences.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL7998
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Human trafficking EU action Navy Mediterranean Sea
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk