Starmer Humiliated: France Seizes Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker While UK Takes No Action

Sir Keir Starmer has been publicly humiliated as France seized another suspected Russian “shadow fleet” vessel, the *Tagor*, while the Labour government has failed to interdict a single one despite the Prime Minister’s promises to go “even harder” on sanctioned ships.

Macron Acts, Starmer Stalls

According to an opinion piece by James Knuckey in the Daily Express, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed this week that the Tagor was intercepted and boarded by the French navy in international waters. This marks the fourth alleged shadow fleet vessel intercepted by France since September 2025, in stark contrast to Britain’s “grand total of zero” seizures.

The French maritime authorities claim the vessel was falsely flying a Cameroonian flag and was travelling from Murmansk, Russia, to Limbe, Cameroon, when it was stopped. This action, which included assistance from a Royal Navy helicopter, has reportedly caused “outrage in Moscow,” with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the seizure “illegal” and “bordering on international piracy.”

Britain’s Weak Stance Exposed

The shadow fleet is accused of circumventing international sanctions to ferry Russian oil and gas, helping to fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine. These vessels, estimated to number around 700, are typically ageing oil tankers with obscure ownership and dubious flagging, as reported by the Daily Express.

Sir Keir Starmer had declared in March that Britain was “going after” Vladimir Putin’s shadow fleet “even harder” and granted the military powers to interdict sanctioned vessels in UK waters. However, hundreds of suspected shadow fleet vessels have since entered British waters, some even escorted by Russian warships, without any action from the Labour government.

• France has intercepted four suspected Russian shadow fleet vessels since September 2025.
• The UK, under Starmer’s Labour government, has seized zero, despite a promise to act “even harder.”
• The latest seizure, the *Tagor*, was intercepted by the French navy with Royal Navy helicopter assistance.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the seizure as “illegal” and “international piracy.”
• Shadow fleet vessels are accused of funding Russia’s war by bypassing sanctions.
• Hundreds of these vessels have reportedly entered UK waters unhindered since Starmer’s pledge.

What This Means for Britain

This failure to act on Russian shadow fleet vessels means Britain is seen as weak on the international stage, particularly compared to allies like France.

The Labour government’s inaction directly undermines Sir Keir Starmer’s public commitments to crack down on those funding Russia’s war efforts.

For ordinary British people, this inaction means that the government is not effectively enforcing sanctions, potentially allowing foreign adversaries to profit while British families face a cost of living crisis.

The perceived weakness on maritime security raises serious questions about the Labour government’s commitment to national defence and sovereignty.

This situation also highlights a broader concern about the UK’s ability to enforce its own rules and protect its interests when challenged by international actors.

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This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Daily Express. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: Daily Express | Breaking Brexit News