Committees

Defence holds session on use of military to counter migrant crossings

25 January 2022

On 26 January, at 09.30, the Defence Committee will hold an evidence session on the use of the military in countering migrant crossings in the Channel, known as “Operation Isotrope”.

The Committee is likely to explore the process that led to the decision to start Operation Isotrope, including involvement of the National Security Council. The Committee may discuss which assets will be deployed, what the rules of engagement will be and how long the operation is expected to last. The Committee will likely ask how the Government intends to measure the success of the operation.

The Committee may examine what the projected costs of the operations are, and which Department will bear them, as well as what the potential impact may be on other Defence commitments and the possible involvement of the Army and RAF. The Committee will likely also ask whether there will be military engagement and cooperation with the French armed forces and civilian authorities.

The Committee will likely seek to determine what capabilities the Armed Forces add to operations that are not available to the Border Force, and whether this represents a permanent move of Border Force policy from the Home Office to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

Witnesses

26 January 2022

At 9.30am:

  • Vice Admiral (rtd) Sir Charles Montgomery KBE
  • Commander (rtd) Tom Sharpe OBE

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