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UK, France vow to protect passengers on Channel ferries

In a statement, Home Secretary Priti Patel, said: “As Home Secretary, the protection of the public and our citizens is paramount…reports Asian Lite News.

UK emergency responders will have more power to deal with terrorist incidents in the Channel thanks to a new treaty which the Foreign Secretary signed in Paris on Monday.

The UK-France Maritime Security Treaty, negotiated between the UK Home Office and French Secrétariat général de la Défense et de la Sécurité nationale, aims at a seamless joint and coordinated action to be taken by UK and French forces in response to an incident, such as a terrorist attack on board a ferry or other large vessel in the Channel.

 “As close allies it is vital the UK and France work together to protect our citizens and values,” Dominic Raab said in a statement. “Today’s signing of the UK-France Maritime Security Treaty will reinforce our ability to jointly respond swiftly and effectively to terrorist threats in the Channel.”

Government said the treaty strengthens UK security by fully equipping law enforcement and emergency responders to respond to terrorist incidents, no matter where they occur.

In a statement, Home Secretary Priti Patel, said: “As Home Secretary, the protection of the public and our citizens is paramount. The intelligence and security tools this new cooperation provides will give law enforcement and our emergency responders the additional support they need to protect us all. In an uncertain world we must continue to work effectively with international partners to prevent and disable serious security threats.”

The Treaty includes provisions which will enable the UK and France to: share security information concerning potential security threats; mount swifter and stronger initial responses to serious security incidents; coordinate more efficient joint responses, and cooperate more effectively in the aftermath of an attack or incident.

On Monday, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary met their French counterparts for joint discussions. The meeting covered key security and foreign policy issues including new fields of co-operation on emerging technologies, European security, security in Africa and the Levant, and our joint work concerning China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Indo Pacific.

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