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Russian Maritime Activity and UK Response 2025-01-22
22 January 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey raised concerns about russian maritime activity and uk response 2025-01-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today, I am making a statement on the UK's response to recent Russian maritime activity. A foreign vessel, Yantar, has entered British waters and is being closely monitored by the Royal Navy. HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne have been deployed to monitor the ship every minute, and new rules of engagement allow our warships to get closer for better tracking. In November, similar measures were taken when Yantar was detected near critical undersea infrastructure. A submarine surfaced close to Yantar as a deterrent measure, causing the vessel to leave UK waters without further loitering. The Russian shadow fleet is targeting our allies and us at home; EstLink 2 between Finland and Estonia was damaged on Christmas Day. Russia faces economic strains, but remains a pressing threat. We are making Britain secure at home by increasing defence spending and providing military support to Ukraine (£4.5 billion). Abroad, we are strengthening NATO responses and exposing Russian activities through sanctions.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm whether he is looking to widen the number of international partners proactively involved in addressing the threat to the North sea and the Baltic? What discussions is he having to drive an internationally coordinated response, including through NATO?
Minister reply
The UK has already demonstrated leadership within NATO by launching Nordic Warden with JEF 10 nations and confirming its role in the new NATO deployment in the Baltic.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
Will he confirm that he is prioritising development of underwater capabilities, such as uncrewed systems, through pillar 2 of AUKUS and also with European allies?
Minister reply
The UK has already demonstrated leadership within NATO by launching Nordic Warden with JEF 10 nations and confirming its role in the new NATO deployment in the Baltic.
Slough
Question
What lessons have the Government learned from the Finnish investigation into Eagle S? What measures can the government take to prevent vessels from traversing UK waters?
Minister reply
The findings of the Finnish investigation are under review, and we will draw lessons once confirmed. Regarding preventing vessel traversal in UK waters, steps must adhere to international law; thus, monitoring, tracking, and strong response mechanisms are prioritised.
Epsom and Ewell
Question
How will the Government rebuild trust with European neighbours? What timeline is there for achieving 2.5% of GDP on defence spending?
Minister reply
The UK works closely with NATO allies to support Ukraine, including military aid funding and long-term partnerships. We are committed to reaching a defence expenditure of 2.5% of GDP as announced at the election.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Question
Is the Government vigilant about Chinese cable-cutting technology and its potential impact on undersea security?
Minister reply
We are closely monitoring developments in China, including technological advancements that could have military implications. We collaborate with allies to ensure robust defence strategies.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone
Question
What assurances can be given regarding the resource allocation for Royal Navy and other services to combat Russian threats?
Minister reply
We have committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, a pledge made at the election that will enhance our capabilities against emerging threats.
Barrow and Furness
Question
What ongoing support is provided for the submarine fleet in countering Russian activities?
Minister reply
The Government remains committed to supporting BAE Systems at Barrow shipyard, ensuring that submarines built there continue their crucial role in national defence.
Gosport
Question
What updates are available on the T-45 power improvement programme and its readiness for deployment with the carrier strike group?
Minister reply
The Type 45s will participate in the carrier strike group. I can provide further details on the engine upgrade programme if requested.
Robert Jenrick
Con
Nottingham East
Question
How is the Secretary of State ensuring that the strategic defence review is flexible in dealing with changing and evolving threats from Russia?
Minister reply
The Government recognises the need for a flexible approach to address emerging threats. The strategic defence review will consider various scenarios, including those highlighted by the Finnish ship incident in the Baltic Sea.
Orkney and Shetland
Question
Will the Secretary of State work with energy companies to ensure protection for island communities relying on critical infrastructure such as subsea cables?
Minister reply
Yes, we will engage closely with energy companies and relevant government departments to protect vulnerable areas like island communities from potential threats.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
Can the Secretary of State assure that the protection of deep-sea cables will be a priority in the strategic defence review?
Minister reply
Absolutely, the critical importance of these cables for international data transmission means they are central to our national security considerations.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
How will the Government explain the need for increased defence spending to the public in light of recent threats?
Minister reply
The commitment to increase defence spending is a response to growing threats from Russia. We are committed to explaining this necessity to the public.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Question
Will the Secretary of State ensure that the security of offshore infrastructure, vital for economic stability, is prioritised in the strategic defence review?
Minister reply
Yes, the security of our critical infrastructure, including offshore assets, will be a key focus of the strategic defence review.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Will the Government consider pre-emptive action to protect critical national infrastructure from hostile ships operating in international waters?
Minister reply
While I cannot comment on hypothetical scenarios, we are prepared to take necessary steps to safeguard our maritime interests.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Question
Can the Secretary of State assure that the strategic defence review will focus on combatting Russian aggression through both defensive and offensive measures?
Minister reply
The review will consider all necessary steps to counter Russian threats, including reinforcing our commitment to defending Ukraine.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that inaction elsewhere in Whitehall could put UK armed forces at risk from Russia's shadow fleet?
Minister reply
The UK has sanctioned over 100 ships as part of our leading role with allies against the Russian shadow fleet, demonstrating active engagement.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that close co-operation with Nordic countries is important in dealing with this threat?
Minister reply
Collaboration with our Nordic allies, including learning from their approaches like Sweden's crisis preparation pamphlets, is vital for strengthening our defences.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
If Putin’s Russia is the greatest threat to peace in Europe, the second greatest threat must be any American decision to turn their back on NATO. Can the Secretary of State assure us that he will do everything in his power to convince his new counterparts in the United States Administration of the seriousness of the threat that Russia poses?
Minister reply
I do not expect the new Administration to require any coaching on the threats from Russia or other parts of the world. I expect that Administration to be one who take defence and security seriously, and who recognise that a secure, free and openly trading Europe is in America’s very best interests.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
The Secretary of State said in his statement that we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships cannot operate in secrecy near UK territory. He will be aware of an occasion just over a year ago when a Russian submarine was chased from the harbour in Cork by the British Navy, because the Irish navy does not have the sonar equipment to detect potential underwater threats. Those threats affect about 97% of the world’s communication and internet traffic. What communication or interaction has the Secretary of State had with the Irish Government and the Irish armed forces to strengthen our co-operation with them and ensure that the west coast of these British Isles is protected?
Minister reply
We do not and will not comment on specific operational details like that. Needless to say, however, we work very closely with the Irish Government on such matters. Recently, our Chief of the Defence Staff met his counterpart from Ireland.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
I commend the Defence Secretary for his statement and for the actions that he has taken—particularly to change the rules of engagement to allow for the closer inspection of that vessel. However, he does not control all the maritime assets of this country. In December, the Transport Secretary told me that there had been no instances of the UK using its agencies to board and inspect bits of the Russian black and grey fleet. Will he speak to his colleagues across Government to ensure that we use all the arms of government and its agencies to interdict unlicensed, unregistered threats to our security?
Minister reply
Where there are grounds for interdiction, the Government collectively will certainly be ready, with the appropriate agency, to take action. The right hon. Gentleman will know, having served as a distinguished Defence Minister for some years, that that sort of close co-ordination and collective action is a feature of the national security secretariat that we have at the very heart of our Government. It plays an important role and ensures that we can deal with any such threats or aggressive activity in the most appropriate way.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Question
I thank the Defence Secretary, his team and the service personnel involved for their robust response—that is exactly the kind of thing we need when dealing with Russia. He is right when he says that the Russian army in Ukraine has nearly been destroyed, but of course the Russian navy—particularly the northern fleet, which we have to deal with in the UK—is still at strength. He has said a couple of times that Russia is the most pressing and immediate threat to the UK. In the light of those facts, does he still think it is the right decision to send the UK carrier group—which, given the Royal Navy’s size, is most of its deployable force—to the far east for five months this year?
Minister reply
Yes.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
Undersea cables in the modern era are as vital to this country as the merchant navy convoys were in the Battle of the Atlantic in 1942, and they are equally vulnerable. Taking shape on the banks of the Clyde at the moment are the state-of-the-art Type 26 frigates, which have mission bays on board. The right hon. Gentleman is fleet of foot—as we have heard, he won a foot race today—but we are in an underwater arms race. Will he do all he can to ensure that, when those ships take to sea, their mission bays bristle with the necessary underwater equipment to take on that threat?
Minister reply
Those bays are designed to be interchangeable, and they will do exactly that.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
It is clear that Putin is testing the west’s resolve. I welcome the rigour of the statement. The threat to our underground cables is an international issue. Does the Secretary of State agree that the United Nations response has been disappointing, and that its convention on the law of the sea is wholly inadequate to deal with such subversion and, indeed, is out of date? What steps are being taken internationally to get concerted action to protect the undersea cables on which every nation depends?
Minister reply
I think the problem is less with the basic rules of the sea and more with observance by states that wilfully test the limits or contravene them. That is why the actions that I have reported to the House, in the instance of the Yantar in British waters, are exactly the sort of steps that nations such as the UK will continue to take, working with allies—particularly close NATO allies.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Secretary of State very much for his statement. Nobody can be in any doubt whatsoever about the strength of his words on what it means for us in the United Kingdom to stand firm. We thank him for that determination and his strong voice, which we in this Chamber all support. When the naval crew of HMS Somerset were called back to their ship on Christmas day, the message was clear: the Russians do not take a holiday, but neither do our Royal Navy crews. Russia’s perpetual activity in pressing towards our boundaries outlines the need for the complete preparedness of our Navy. Will the Secretary of State outline whether greater support is needed to ensure that our Navy is at full strength, given that our service fleet is now smaller than those of France and Italy?
Minister reply
We are grateful to those service personnel—not just the crew of the HMS Somerset, who were, as the hon. Gentleman rightly says, mobilised on Christmas day to respond to the EstLink 2 damage, but the 10,000 servicemen and women who were deployed away from home at Christmas—for their service. We know that they do it to keep the rest of us safe, and we are very grateful.
Shadow Comment
James Cartlidge
Shadow Comment
I welcome the transparency in the statement on the Russian threat. The change to Royal Navy rules of engagement sends a powerful signal to Putin that we will not be intimidated. We support the Government's actions on Ukraine and deterring wider Russian threats. Questions were raised about international partners involved in addressing undersea infrastructure safety, development of underwater technologies through AUKUS and European allies, and restricting GRU operatives' ability to enter UK. Russia remains a formidable foe despite its losses against Ukraine; thus, the strategic defence review needs to prioritise homeland defence and increase spending on defence.
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