Who should operate over the sea? RAF, RN or an enhanced coastguard? Does it really matter, so long as the task needs are met?
Whoever can accomplish the task without allowing 'Inter-Service-4-Star-Whitehall-Back-Stabbing' to get in the way
As I sit gazing out into my Cornish harbour, I notice that we are now patrolled by the
UK Border Agency in their own HM Cutters. Could this be the surface fleet of a future, enhanced HM Coastguard which deals with anything from smuggling French brandy to drugs to illegal immigrants to Search & Rescue?
Then, we could have a dedicated MPA for ASW or ASUW, leave the overland surveillance to Astor,
Rivet Joint, AWACS and all the other bits & pieces, with dedicated taskings?
Then we might start having some semblance of order in our orbat.