Maritime and Coastguard Agency
- Date 21 January 2026
- Sector Central government
- Decision(s) FOI 1: Upheld, FOI 10: Upheld, FOI 17: Upheld, FOI 38(1)(a): Not upheld, FOI 38(1)(b): Not upheld
The complainant has requested MCA to disclose the most recent version of Coastguard standard operating procedures (SOP) which relate in any way to the ‘migrant’ or ‘small boats’ operations. MCA disclosed some information but withheld the remainder citing sections 38(1)(a) and (b) (health and safety) and section 27 (international relations) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that MCA is entitled to rely on section 38(1)(a) and (b) of FOIA for the withheld information. He has however found MCA in breach of sections 1(1)(b),10(1) and 17(1) of FOIA. He does not require any further steps to be taken.