§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to combat the growing problem of piracy and armed robbery at sea. [HL2621]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)Her Majesty's Government have improved the published advice to UK shipowners and seafarers in order to ensure that they are fully aware of 139WA the risks and take all possible precautions against attacks. Where attacks on UK nationals have occurred, we have asked the governments concerned, most recently in Indonesia and Brazil, to investigate the incidents and take steps to avoid repetitions. We are also encouraging wider international action to combat what is a global threat to safety at sea and international trade. This year we have helped finance counter-piracy missions organised by the International Maritime Organisation. In the autumn we will draw the attention of the UN General Assembly to the problem. All these measures have been in consultation with the UK shipping industry and trade unions, including through recent discussions hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.