Green party leader Zack Polanski has launched his party’s campaign for the local elections with a sharp attack on the government, accusing Labour of delivering what he called a “toxic combination of chaos and cowardice”. The comments came as ministers faced questions on a range of issues, including Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and reports of military activity in the English Channel.
In interviews on Thursday morning, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper declined to confirm reports that a Russian warship had been escorting two sanctioned Russian ships through the English Channel. The vessels are believed to be part of the shadow fleet used to transport oil sold to help fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The UK government recently announced that the armed forces had been authorised to board sanctioned ships in British waters in an effort to stop them. Cooper said the government had now given permission for action to be taken against the shadow fleet, but stressed that any operational decisions would have to be made appropriately by the military.
“What I can tell you is that we have given permission now for action to be taken against the Russian shadow fleet. Operational decisions then have to be taken in the right way by the military,” she said.
Cooper also pointed to wider concerns about Russian activity, saying there were signs not only of the way the shadow fleet was operating but also of an increase in Russian threats across Europe. She said these were not limited to the UK.
Shadow fleet concerns
The shadow fleet has become a focus for Western governments as they seek to enforce sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The ships are used to move oil in ways that are designed to avoid restrictions, helping maintain revenue flows to Moscow.
The government’s decision to authorise the armed forces to board these vessels in British waters marks a further step in the UK’s response. But Cooper’s refusal to confirm the reported escort by a Russian warship suggests ministers are being careful about how they address the latest claims while avoiding speculation about operational matters.
Political attacks as local elections approach
Polanski’s intervention was aimed squarely at Labour, as parties position themselves ahead of the local elections. His remarks were designed to frame the campaign around frustration with the government, with the Green leader seeking to present his party as an alternative to what he described as Labour’s failings.
The attack adds to the increasingly combative tone of the campaign period, with opposition figures pressing the government on issues ranging from national security to public confidence in ministers.
Meanwhile, questions over Russia’s activity in and around British waters continue to feature prominently in the political debate. The government’s response, and the extent to which it will act against the shadow fleet, is likely to remain under scrutiny in the days ahead.
