Somali piracy: Armed guards to protect UK ships
Source: BBC News
Ships sailing under a British flag will be able to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates, the prime minister has announced.
David Cameron says he wants to combat the risks to shipping off the coast of Somalia, where 49 of the world's 53 hijackings last year took place.
 |
| Use of armed guards would be restricted to voyages through particular waters in affected areas (Photo: AFP/BBC) |
No ship carrying armed security has yet been hijacked, the government claims.
But allowing ships to carry armed guards may fall foul of laws in other countries, such as South Africa.
Up to 200 British flagged vessels regularly sail through waters close to Somalia, and officials estimate around 100 of those would immediately apply for permission to have armed guards.
It is thought many British-registered ships already carry armed guards, taking advantage of a grey area in the law.
Shoot to kill?
Mr Cameron said he wanted to legalise armed guards after talks in Australia with Commonwealth leaders from the region over the escalating problem faced in waters off their shores.
But armed guards would only be permitted while passing through dangerous waters, such as the Red Sea and Somalian coast.
Asked if he was comfortable with giving private security operatives the right to "shoot to kill" if necessary, Mr Cameron told BBC1's Andrew Marr Show: "We have to make choices.
"Frankly, the extent of the hijack and ransom of ships round the Horn of Africa is a complete stain on our world.
"The fact that a bunch of pirates in Somalia are managing to hold to ransom the rest of the world and our trading system is a complete insult and the rest of the world needs to come together with much more vigour."
Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: "Piracy is a very serious problem and it's sensible to allow ships to take the appropriate measures to protect their crew and cargo. The use of armed security guards can have a significant impact.
"The UK will allow the use of private armed security guards on our ships in exceptional circumstances and where it is lawful to do so."
Under the plans the home secretary will be given the power to license armed guards for ships, who would be permitted to carry automatic weapons and possibly handguns, currently prohibited under UK firearms laws.
Targeting assets
France and Spain provide so-called military vessel protection detachments, while Italy is planning a similar measure.
In July the Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham said limited military resources meant it was not possible to free up Royal Marines for a ship protection role.
Other counter-piracy measures being taken include offering support from Treasury officials to Kenya to help its officials track down pirates' assets.
Mr Cameron also said help could be given to countries such as The Seychelles and Mauritius who were acting to bring pirates to court and imprison them.
OCEANUSLive.org
Information, Security, Safety; Shared