UK Proposes Emergency Powers to Counter Russian Undersea Spying

The Government of the United Kingdom is proposing emergency powers and strict criminal penalties to protect undersea internet cables and energy pipelines from Russian interference. The proposed legislation would allow ministers to order telecommunications companies to modify or disable services during national security emergencies and grant officials access to cable landing stations. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to £17 million or 10% of their global turnover, while individuals intentionally tampering with infrastructure could face prison sentences of up to 14 years or life imprisonment.

These measures follow the discovery that Russia is using civilian fishing trawlers as commercial proxies to map critical undersea communications cables linking the UK with the United States and Europe. Satellite data from Global Fishing Watch uncovered over 500 incidents over four and a half years, with 17 vessels identified loitering at low speeds over vital systems, including the Atlantic Crossing 1 and Grace Hopper cables. NATO and the Royal Navy are tracking these vessels, noting that some appear to be conducting espionage rather than fishing.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, warned of glaring gaps in military capabilities, specifically a shortage of frigates and destroyers. In response, the UK Ministry of Defence is investing £330 million to strengthen infrastructure protection and £1.5 billion for a next-generation Hybrid Navy. The Government of Russia has denied the accusations, characterizing the claims as anti-Russian alarmism.