Counter terrorism officers to be on cross-Channel ferries

Armed counter terrorism officers will be deployed on British cross-Channel ferries for the first time this summer, though the government has stressed that there was no specific threat to passenger vessels.

Firearms police from the Civil Nuclear Constabulary are to be posted on ferries out of Dover, as well as on passenger ships between Newcastle and the Netherlands. It is understood about 40 CNC officers will be posted on a rotation basis on ferries with a trial starting in July.

British ferries, which are unguarded and seen as vulnerable, will see security tightened. Currently, passengers are not individually searched or given body scans when boarding, unlike those on planes or Eurostar trains.

The decision to redeploy CNC officers is part of a plan to extend the force’s remit to enable them to offer services beyond the civil nuclear sector and provide support to other police forces.

A government spokesperson said: “The government will always take the strongest possible action to protect our national security and our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of our citizens. We are constantly developing protection for UK citizens against the threat of terrorism. This includes strengthening security by fully equipping law enforcement and emergency responders to respond to terrorist incidents, no matter where they occur.”