The British government is actively tracking a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel, the Yantar, which has been operating on the periphery of UK territorial waters. In a serious escalation, the ship has been accused of directing lasers at the pilots of RAF surveillance aircraft conducting routine patrols.
Defence Secretary's Stern Warning
Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Britain is prepared to respond if the Russian ship moves southwards, delivering a firm message to President Vladimir Putin. The specialised vessel, designed for intelligence operations, has been loitering off the northern coast of Scotland for several weeks after entering the UK's wider maritime area.
Dual Threat: Espionage Warnings from MI5
This maritime incident coincides with a separate security alert concerning China. MI5 has warned MPs, peers, and parliamentary staff about suspected Chinese espionage activities. The security service believes China is attempting to 'recruit and cultivate' individuals who have access to sensitive information concerning both Parliament and the UK Government, often through recruitment head-hunters.
Public Opinion on National Threats
In light of these concurrent security concerns, the Daily Mail is running a poll asking readers which nation they perceive as a greater threat to the UK: China or Russia. This follows a previous poll regarding Labour's asylum policy, where an overwhelming majority—91% of more than 14,000 respondents—voted against offering asylum seekers more than £3,000 to leave Britain.
