Keir Starmer's delays in finding justification to seize Russian shadow fleet allowed dozens of vessels to pass through Channel

Sir Keir Starmer’s delay in granting formal authorisation for British forces to seize Russia’s shadow fleet allowed dozens of the oil smuggling vessels to slip through the Channel. In January, the decision to allow the interceptions was announced, but ministers spent the following two months attempting to establish a legal justification for the order. Attorney General Lord Hermer met northern European allies earlier this month to address the matter as ships, crucial to propping up Moscow’s collapsing oil exports, steamed through British waters. Reports indicate at least 42 sanctioned Russian vessels passed through unchallenged, although the actual figure is believed to be considerably higher. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Criticism of the Government’s indecision intensified last week when a state-owned Russian tanker carrying oil destined for Cuba sailed through the English Channel with minimal interference from British authorities. The sanctioned vessel was escorted by a Russian warship, which the Royal Navy merely shadowed for 48 hours without taking action. It allowed the tanker to progress to the aid of the Communist Caribbean state, which is currently buckling under US sanctions. Moscow's shadow fleet is a secret network of ships used to dodge Western embargoes on Russian oil exports. The vessels attempt to evade capture by transporting the oil on aged tankers with deliberately obscure ownership or insurance. They transport Russian crude oil to China, India, and Turkey. Britain has imposed sanctions on 544 ships belonging to the shadow fleet, which transports an estimated three-quarters of the country's crude oil exports. Announcing the official authorisation to seize Russian vessels, Sir Keir said: "Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Labour MP breaks rank to publicly demand answers from Keir Starmer on missing Morgan McSweeney phone Police reopen investigation into Andrew Tate sex abuse allegations Suspended NHS doctor charged with 'multiple counts of inviting support for Hamas' “That's why we're going after his shadow fleet even harder." British military and law enforcement personnel have been rehearsing various scenarios in preparation, including confronting vessels that refuse to surrender, carry weapons, or deploy sophisticated surveillance technology to avoid capture. Under the newly authorised powers, each targeted ship will undergo assessment by law enforcement officials, military personnel, and energy market specialists before ministers approve any boarding operation. Following detention, owners, operators and crew members could face criminal prosecution for violating UK sanctions legislation passed in 2018. The Royal Navy and National Crime Agency are expected to work together on future interceptions, according to The Telegraph. However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has branded the Prime Minister "inaction man" for failing to act sooner on the interceptions. Defence Secretary John Healey mounted a robust defence of the government's approach when questioned about the missed tankers. "What operations like this require is training, preparation, understanding, discussion with allies, a clear legal basis like every military action that we take," he told the BBC. Mr Healey emphasised Britain had already provided assistance to French and American operations against shadow fleet vessels, describing the new authorisation as "a signal to Putin that he may want us to be distracted by the Middle East, but we're ready to act". Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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