Sanctioned Russian vessels have entered British waters at least once a day since the government announced measures to tackle the shadow fleet in March, but none have been intercepted, a government minister has admitted.
Liberal Democrats MP Mike Martin, questioning Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carns, said 63 sanctioned Russian vessels had crossed through British waters since the new measures were introduced. Carns did not dispute the figure, stating that each vessel has its own legal and policy parameters.
The Ministry of Defence announced new powers in March for armed forces to board sanctioned boats in British waters. However, Carns said that boarding only occurs when legal, policy, and operational parameters are met.
Concern has grown over repeated incursions, with a Russian attack submarine and two spy submersibles tracked over undersea cables in the North Atlantic for several weeks. Defence Secretary Sir John Healey confirmed that the UK and allies tracked the vessels for a month before they retreated.
Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have accused the government of inaction. Shadow Defence Minister David Reed said the government is not moving fast enough to deter adversaries. An MoD spokesperson said the UK has challenged over 700 suspected shadow fleet vessels since October 2024.
