"Since ministers announced new measures to address Moscow's so-called shadow fleet, sanctioned Russian vessels have entered British waters at least once a day, but the Government has confirmed that no ships have been intercepted."
"Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin told the hearing that 63 sanctioned Russian-linked vessels had passed through British waters since the measures were announced. "That's one a day," he said. "To my knowledge, we haven't interdicted any of them. Is that correct?" Mr Carns did not dispute the figure. "We haven't interdicted them," he admitted, while insisting each vessel had to be assessed individually under legal and operational rules."
"The Government introduced new powers earlier this year, allowing British forces to board sanctioned vessels crossing UK waters as part of wider efforts to disrupt Russia's sanctions-evasion network and maritime operations. However, critics say the measures are proving largely symbolic while Russian-linked ships continue operating close to British shores."
"Last month, Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed British and allied forces had tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submersibles operating near critical undersea cables for weeks before they withdrew. RAF Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft reportedly flew more than 50 surveillance missions during the operation, which involved around 500 British personnel and support from allies including Norway."
Sanctioned Russian-linked vessels have been entering British waters at least once per day, while the Government has confirmed that no ships have been intercepted. A Commons committee hearing heard that 63 sanctioned Russian-linked vessels passed through British waters since new measures were announced, and the Armed Forces minister did not dispute the figure. The minister stated that vessels were not interdicted and that each ship had to be assessed individually under legal and operational rules. New powers allow British forces to board sanctioned vessels crossing UK waters to disrupt Russia’s sanctions-evasion network. Critics argue the measures are largely symbolic as Russian-linked ships continue operating near British shores. Concerns are rising over Russian hybrid warfare activity near critical infrastructure and undersea cables, including reported tracking of a Russian attack submarine and spy submersibles for weeks.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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