The ministry said in a statement that the measures that have been put in place to “protect our rights as an independent coastal state” include “many patrol ships through military and naval organizations that are used to provide physical presence, deterrence and the ability to inspect.”
The ministry said that four marine patrol vessels “will be available to patrol British waters to assist other government departments when needed.”
The move comes as Brexit negotiations between Britain and the European Union enter a crucial 48-hour period, with both sides expressing doubts that an agreement will be reached before the deadline on Sunday.
“The Ministry of Defense has conducted extensive planning and preparation to ensure that defense is ready for a range of scenarios at the end of the transition period,” a British Ministry of Defense spokesman said on Saturday.
“This preparation includes a backup package of 14,000 personnel to ensure that we are ready to support other government departments and authorities during the winter period, including the move to the European Union, the Covid-19 virus and possible extreme weather events,” the spokesman said.
Rep. Shrewsbury and Etcham Daniel Kauchinsky urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to protect UK waters from “illegal French fishing” in the absence of the Berxit deal.
“In the event that no agreement is reached with the European Union on Sunday, we must receive an absolute assurance from Boris Johnson that the British naval forces will be deployed from January 1st to prevent illegal French fishing in our waters,” Kawczynski said in a tweet on Friday.
Johnson said on Friday that he hoped a deal could be reached, but that the scenario was becoming increasingly unlikely.
“We hope that progress can be made, but I have to tell you that from where I stand right now here in Blythe, it looks very, very likely that we will have to look for a solution that I think would be great for the UK. January “.
“It is clear that it will be different from what we set out to achieve, but I have no doubt that this country can be ready and can come up with the terms of global trade.”
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