Armed guards patrol cross-Channel ferry amid terror fears

Armed personnel boarded a ferry travelling from Portsmouth to Caen in northwest France earlier this week in an exercise that could become an everyday anti-terror measure as British and French officials meet to discuss security arrangements.

Britain and France are understood to be in talks about a proposal to deploy marshals on all French-flagged vessels departing from ports in France.

Discussions are likely to cover concerns about how the measures would work and what powers the guards would have when ferries cross into UK waters.

Monday's drill saw French marshals wearing full military kit flown in by helicopter onto the Mont Saint-Michel ferry as it entered French waters. They remained on board until the vessel reached its final destination in Caen.

Announcements in English and French alerted up to 800 passengers that they were in the middle of a security exercise.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We work extremely closely with our French counterparts on matters related to security and counter-terrorism.

"We keep security arrangements, including those related to maritime security, under constant review."

The development follows a spate of terrorist attacks in Europe, including the deadly assaults in Paris and Nice. Last month there were long delays on the approach to Dover in Kent after extra French security checks were put in place.

David Balston, of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said: "Security levels are continually reviewed and there is a constant dialogue between ferry companies and the relevant authorities, both in the UK and in France, to ensure the best possible security for passengers."