Letter - May 2026

[your address]

Dear [name of your MP]

I am writing as a constituent to ask you to press the Government for urgent action regarding the continued passage of sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” vessels through UK waters.

In March, the Prime Minister announced that UK armed forces would have powers to board sanctioned Russian tankers operating in British waters. However, BBC Verify has since reported that, in the seven weeks following that announcement, 184 sanctioned vessels still passed through UK waters, making 238 journeys in total.

Particularly alarming was the report that a Russian frigate escorted one such tanker through the English Channel on 7–8 April. This raises obvious concerns about both sanctions enforcement and national security.

Shipping law experts have reportedly stated that the policy announced by the Government is effectively unenforceable because foreign-flagged vessels cannot ordinarily be seized under existing legal powers. If true, this suggests the Government made promises it currently lacks the legal authority to fulfil.

I would therefore be grateful if you could raise the following questions with the Government:

• How many sanctioned Russian-linked vessels have actually been boarded, inspected, detained, or intercepted since the Prime Minister’s announcement?
• What legal powers currently exist to act against foreign-flagged vessels linked to the Russian shadow fleet?
• Does the Government intend to introduce stronger legislation to close any enforcement loopholes?
• What coordination is taking place with allies to prevent sanctioned Russian shipping from continuing to operate through UK and European waters?

The Government has repeatedly stated that Britain stands firmly with Ukraine. That commitment must be backed by credible enforcement rather than announcements which appear ineffective in practice.

I would appreciate hearing your views on this matter and learning what action you are prepared to take.

Best regards,

[your name]