A government minister has acknowledged that no sanctioned Russian vessels have been intercepted in British waters, despite new powers introduced in March. Liberal Democrats MP Mike Martin disclosed that 63 sanctioned Russian ships have transited UK territorial waters since the new measures were implemented, averaging approximately one per day.
New Powers and Legal Complexities
The Ministry of Defence announced new powers in March, permitting armed forces to board sanctioned boats crossing into British waters as part of efforts to tackle Russia’s shadow fleet. However, the minister for armed forces, Alistair Carns, explained that each sanctioned vessel operates under unique legal and policy parameters, which dictate whether boarding is possible. This has resulted in no interceptions to date, despite the daily transits.
Broader Concerns Over Russian Surveillance
Separately, the UK and its allies tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submersibles over critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic for a month, highlighting broader concerns about Russian surveillance activities. The admission has sparked criticism from opposition MPs, who argue that the government’s measures are insufficient to counter the threat posed by Russia’s shadow fleet.
The shadow fleet comprises vessels that are often older, poorly maintained, and used to evade sanctions by transporting oil and other goods. Their presence in UK waters raises security and environmental risks. The government has stated it remains committed to enforcing sanctions and protecting national security, but the lack of interceptions has raised questions about the effectiveness of the new powers.
