Key facts
- A Russian oil tanker, the Smyrtos, was seized by Royal Marines off the Isle of Wight on Sunday.
- The vessel was suspected of operating under a false flag.
- Surveillance of the tanker had been conducted for several days before the seizure.
- The seizure occurred shortly after the resignation of former Defence Secretary John Healey.
- Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the operation was the result of extensive planning.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis faced scrutiny from MPs on Monday regarding the timing of the seizure of a Russian oil tanker, the Smyrtos, which occurred over the weekend. Jarvis deflected suggestions that the operation was politically timed to coincide with the recent resignation of former Defence Secretary John Healey.
Jarvis stated that the Smyrtos, carrying crude oil from Russia to India, had been under close surveillance for several days prior to its capture by Royal Marines. The vessel was suspected of using a false flag of Cameroon. The capture, which took place 25 miles south of the Isle of Wight, was described as being completed in a matter of minutes.
The captain of the ship, Ajay Pant, an Indian national, has been charged with breaching sanctions offences and is due to appear in court. The 24 crew members from Georgia and India remain on board.
Questions about the timing were raised by the Conservatives, with shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge asking why the seizure took place now, months after a policy warning about such vessels was issued. Jarvis responded that the seizure was the culmination of weeks of military and operational planning.
The controversy surrounding the tanker seizure occurred in the wake of John Healey's resignation over disagreements about defence funding. Healey had cited a significant gap in the defence investment plan and insufficient commitment from No 10 and the Treasury.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves was present in the Commons to support Jarvis during his statement, with Jarvis noting her deep care for national security. However, no further updates were provided on the defence investment plan, other than it would be published before the NATO summit in early July.