UK forces board sanctioned Russian oil tanker in English Channel for the first time, says Keir Starmer - UK politics live

Prime minister says British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the early hours of Sunday morning

• British armed forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in Channel

Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch has posted this on X:

I pay tribute to the brave Royal Marine Commandos who boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker overnight in the English Channel. Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is funded by their oil exports in defiance of sanctions. As Leader of the Opposition, I support the government in standing with Ukraine.

British authorities say the Smyrtos is one of 700 vessels in a shadow fleet responsible for carrying 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil. The fleet provides Russia with what analysts say is a critical lifeline, allowing oil to be sold and funds generated to continue its war against Ukraine.

The Sunday morning operation is the first time the UK has led on such an endeavour, previously providing support to the French military when it carried out something similar in the Atlantic…