'Incompetent' Tories failing to order Border Force boats despite migrant crisis
The Tories were accused of “incompetence” tonight for failing to order replacement Border Force vessels to curb Channel migrant crossings.
The existing fleet of boats needs replacing by 2028, but the Home Office is yet to place any orders for new craft - despite cash already being earmarked for the project.
The vital need for replacement vessels was outlined in the updated National Shipbuilding Strategy published last year.
“Border Force's Maritime Command operates the only national maritime law enforcement capability and ensures the security of the UK maritime border by providing an effective, enduring at-sea capability,” it said.
“This currently comprises a fleet of five cutters and six smaller coastal patrol vessels.
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“These vessels are all reaching the end of their lives and will require replacing over the next five years.
Thousands of migrants have made the perilous journey already this year (Getty Images)“The 2021 Spending Review announced additional funding to renew this fleet and a strategic business case for the procurement of new vessels for Border Force is in development.”
Since the document was published, Channel migrant crossings have spiralled - fuelling calls for the contracts to be speeded-up.
But, answering written Commons questions, Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick said last week: “Formal discussions on the procurement of replacement Border Force vessels have not yet taken place.
“No final decision has been taken on market engagement plans.”
More than 3,700 migrants have already made the treacherous Channel crossing this year.
A record 45,756 completed the journey in 2022.
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick (PA)
Labour MP Kevan Jones chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on ShipbuildingThe previous year, 28,526 migrants came to the UK using the dangerous route. The year before it was 8,404.
Labour MP Kevan Jones, a former Defence Minister, used a written parliamentary question to ask the Home Office how much it allocated to Border Force Maritime Command in each of the last five years.
Mr Jenrick replied: “The information requested could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
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“Border Force does not hold this data in an easily accessible format.”
Mr Jones, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Shipbuilding, told the Mirror: “The Home Office talks tough on tackling clandestine crossings of the English Channel but it has no idea how much it’s spending on safeguarding our coastline.
“The Home Office has also failed to start the formal process for replacing old Border Force vessels that are approaching the end of their service life.
“This incompetence cannot continue.
“Having got the money, the Home Office should secure our borders, place the orders for new vessels and make sure the work goes to British shipyards.”
Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions general secretary Ian Waddell said: "It is essential that the procurement of these vessels moves ahead and that they are built in UK shipyards so we can maintain our skills base and reduce regional economic inequality.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Formal discussions on the procurement of replacement Border Force vessels have not yet taken place.
“Initiating market engagement is the next key stage in the procurement process and will take place in due course.
“Replacement Border Force vessels will provide flexibility and adaptability, though the specific fleet mix remains subject to confirmation.”
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