Navy

Could The Royal Navy Support Channel Patrols?

Britain's coastguard has reportedly called for help to tackle the problem of smuggled migrants.

It's caused some commentators to speculate over whether the Royal Navy will be brought in to help.

Forces TV, meanwhile, went to find out what craft the Royal Navy might use if it were to help with border control.

Patrolling the coastline would require a smaller, speedier response than the frigate HMS Somerset, used to escort a Chinese ship in a friendly encounter, or HMS Kent, which escorted a Russian sub in a recent incident.

The Royal Navy's offshore patrol vessels are one option - HMS Severn, already sharing responsiblity for patrolling 80,000 miles of sea, may have its role expanded.

Boats in the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron, protecting Trident, could also be used.

In light of the Brexit vote, the future of agreements between French, Dutch, and Belgian governments are less certain.

That could mean more pressure on the Channel patrols than ever before.