UK Ships To Have Armed Guards To Counter Somali Piracy

Photo: It is up to the flag state of the vessel whether or not armed guards are allowed.

Somali Piracy: Armed Guards To Protect UK Ships -- BBC

Ships sailing under a British flag will be able to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates, the prime minister has announced.

David Cameron says he wants to combat the risks to shipping off the coast of Somalia, where 49 of the world's 53 hijackings last year took place.

Under the plans, the home secretary would be given the power to license armed guards for ships.

No ship carrying armed security has yet been hijacked, the government claims.

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More News On UK Ships To Have Armed Guards To Counter Somali Piracy

UK ships will be able to carry armed guards - Cameron -- Reuters
Armed guards on UK vessels to counter piracy -- Financial Times
Armed guards to defend British ships from pirates -- AFP
Armed guards to protect UK ships from pirates -- AOl.com
U.K. Ships Allowed Armed Guards Against Piracy, Cameron Says -- Bloomberg

My Comment: About time.