Gun guards on UK ships to combat pirates

A legal ban on weapon-toting protection staff will be relaxed so firms can apply for a licence to have them on board in danger zones, a ploy already employed by other countries and which follows guidance from the United Nation’s International Maritime Organization on the use of armed guards.

The Prime Minister said radical action was required because the increasing ability of sea-borne Somali criminals to hijack and ransom ships had become “a complete stain on our world”.

He unveiled the measure after talks with leaders of countries in the Horn of Africa over the escalating problem faced in waters off their shores.

Latest international figures show that of the 36 total hijackings worldwide this year, 24 have been reported in waters near Somalia where some 208 of the 369 total attacks have taken place.

Somalian pirates are currently holding 13 vessels and 249 hostages.

Under the plans, the Home Secretary will be given the power to license vessels to carry armed security, including automatic weapons, currently prohibited under firearms laws.

Officials said around 200 were expected to be in line to take up the offer, which would only apply for voyages through particular waters in the affected region. It is expected to be used by commercial firms rather than private sailors – such as hostage victims Paul and Rachel Chandler.

Asked if he was comfortable with giving private security operatives the right to “shoot to kill” if necessary, Mr Cameron said: “We have to make choices.

“Frankly the extent of the hijack and ransom of ships round the Horn of Africa is a complete stain on our world.

“The fact that a bunch of pirates in Somalia are managing to hold to ransom the rest of the world and our trading system is a complete insult and the rest of the world needs to come together with much more vigour.”