Andy Burnham has been warned the stretched Royal Navy lacks the firepower to stop Russia from seizing British cargo ships. Vladimir Putin has threatened to “respond in kind” to the interception of alleged Russian shadow fleet tankers by Britain and its European allies.
On Wednesday, a senior Russian Navy commander told Mr Putin his forces are ready to “inspect and detain” vessels from what he described as hostile states. Viktor Liina, commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, identified Britain as a potential target and claimed Moscow had “detailed analysis” of ships — including 26 linked to the UK — which had sailed near the disputed Kuril Islands between Japan and Russia.
Alarm among military planners
The comments are said to have sparked alarm among military planners. According to The Telegraph, officials are “most concerned” about Russian interdictions in the Indo-Pacific.
The Navy only has two patrol ships — HMS Spey and HMS Tamar — stationed in the region. Lord West, who was Navy chief between 2002 and 2006, warned British cargo vessels would likely be defenceless.
“Our Navy has been reduced and reduced and reduced and we do not have enough ships to fulfil our role to look after global shipping,” he told The Telegraph. “It’s extraordinary that successive governments have allowed us to reduce our Navy in such a way. The patrol ships are there to show a presence. But going back 30 years ago, there were four or five ships that would be steaming around here, not just two.”
Allies needed for response
Former Conservative defence secretary, Sir Ben Wallace, also told the newspaper Britain would need to rely on its allies to react. “The first response to Putin’s comments should be to work with allies such as France to ensure we burden-share across the globe, escort or protection duties,” he said.
It comes amid continued concerns over the size of the Navy which has gradually reduced in size following years of successive cuts. Issues around ship availability have added a further strain on the already under-pressure Senior Service as Russian incursions into British waters rise.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “Unlike Russia’s shadow fleet, UK Armed Forces and commercial vessels operate firmly in line with international maritime law, and we continue to provide support to global and UK shipping companies in the form of data sharing, allowing trade routes to be safe from potential attacks.
“This government is delivering the Defence Investment Plan which is backed by £298bn of investment over the next four years, and last month the Chancellor made clear that the Spending Review will set out a clear pathway to spending 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2035 and we will set a target date on that path for 3%.
“We will introduce eight of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare ships, the Type 26 Frigates. They will be bolstered by five general purpose Type 31 Frigates and by 2029 we will have a new warship coming off the production line approximately every nine months.”
