Revelations of further Russian incursions in UK waters – Northern Isles MP responds

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has said that revelations today of further Russian military activity in waters north of the UK reinforced the strategic importance of the Northern Isles – and a reminder that “isolationism and nationalism are luxuries we cannot afford”.

Defence Secretary John Healey today announced that three Russian submarines had conducted a “covert” operation over cables and pipelines in waters north of the UK, with a British warship and aircraft deployed to deter the activity. The defence secretary stated that there was “no evidence” of any damage to UK infrastructure as a result.

There are around 60 undersea cables which come ashore at several parts along the UK coastline, including the Northern Isles. More than 90% of the UK's day-to-day internet traffic travels via these undersea cables.

John Healey told a press conference on Thursday that Russia had sent an Akula class submarine as a diversionary tactic, while two of its Guggi spy submarines carried out surveillance. The Royal Navy deployed a Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans, RFA Tidespring and Merlin helicopters to track all three of the Russian submarines.

Mr Carmichael said:

“Revelations today of further Russian incursions in our northern waters, targeting undersea cables and pipelines, should be a reminder of how important these connections are and that we cannot take their security for granted. I am glad that the government is trying to be transparent, where possible, about the responses they are taking to counter hostile actors in our waters.

“It is for exactly these reasons that I have continued to press the government to make greater security and resilience for our islands a priority over recent years. I met with the Security Minister in February to raise similar points, and I know that this is something that they are alive to.

“This should be a reminder, too, that isolationism and nationalism are luxuries we cannot afford. We need to be working more closely together across the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond, not less, if we are going to counter these threats in the long term.”