Posted on 10/30/2011 9:20:20 AM PDT by george76
British ships are to be allowed to carry armed guards to protect them from pirates, David Cameron has announced.
A legal ban on weapon-toting protection staff will be relaxed so that firms can apply for a licence to have them on board in danger zones.
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".
...
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.
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
LOL. Whatever you say.
Time to play the old game of, “imagine if Bush had done that”. Can you say, “cowboy”? Come on, ya know ya can.
Depends on the armaments involved - are they packing small arms, or something big enough to blow them out of the water?
Cameron better watch his tongue! That can be interpreted by some as being racist!
Paint them and smoke them.
Water cannon, boiling vats of oil, flame throwers, electirfied railing...........
Neat toy! I know people who make some of the parts inside that thing.
But...But...Evil people might be hurt. Next, commoners will want to be able to own guns to protect their homes. Oh, the violence........
It’s beautiful, man!
What I find to be a sign of insanity is that British law has to be changed to allow their ships sailing into troubled waters to protect themselves.
Admiral Lord Nelson must be spinning in his grave.
Until complete safety can be assured, and it can not be, every zone is a danger zone; at best safety is only belief about probability.
about damn time
I have never understood how motley poorly equipped Muslim bandits in tiny boats could overtake a large modern tanker. Put radar on board and weapons that can sink small craft. If you can’t make radio contact on one approaching your ship, sink it.
The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm.
‘Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?’
‘No Ma’am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my shotgun.’
"Apparently they all have died"
Catch and release, comrade.....
Bring back the commerce raiders, then when the pirates are cleaned up go after the illegal fishing in their waters.
There aren’t very many British-registered ships around. Its not a popular “flag of convenience”.
Perhaps a few more vessels will be shifted to British registration because of this, but based on the numbers its insignificant in itself.
However, it could start a change with the shipowners and insurers.
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