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In a statement to the House of Commons, Minister Al Carns declared that the United Kingdom is committed to defending “every inch” of its territory, including its critical undersea networks and coastal security.
The comments came after the Russian spy ship Yantar entered UK waters earlier this week and was accused of shining lasers at military pilots. The vessel is being closely monitored by the Royal Navy, having previously been accused of attempting to map the UK’s submarine cable infrastructure,
The incident follows growing concerns about foreign interference and potential sabotage to the UK’s undersea infrastructure, which forms the backbone for the nation’s energy supplies and communications.
The parliamentary exchange was prompted by warnings from MP Nick Timothy, who outlined the escalating threats posed by Russia and China targeting subsea cables. Timothy highlighted disquieting reports suggesting Russian devices had allegedly been placed on offshore infrastructure to monitor British submarines. He went on to press the government as to why responsibility for the security of this infrastructure remains fragmented across different ministries.
Minister Carns acknowledged these past shortcomings in coordination but insisted that recent reforms had begun addressing these gaps. According to Carns, a recent review has established “very clear lines of accountability” for the security of submarine infrastructure.
The ongoing Strategic Defence Review also notably includes expanded capabilities dedicated to offshore security.
“Be in no doubt. We will defend every inch of this country and our territorial waters,” said Carns.
The security of submarine cable infrastructure has been thrust into the limelight in recent years by rising geopolitical tensions between East and West. In late 2024, cuts to cables in the Baltic Sea demonstrated the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure, as well as highlighting the threat posed by so-called ‘shadow fleets’ – state-run ships, often masquerading as commercial vessels, that are being used to evade trade sanctions and conduct surveillance and covert operations.
A report by the China Strategic Risks Institute (CSRI) examining 12 incidents between January 2021 and April 2025 found that most suspect vessels involved in undersea cable interference were linked to China or Russia.
Both Russia and China deny any involvement in state-sponsored subsea sabotage.
How is the submarine cable security landscape changing? Join our inaugural Subsea Security Summit in May 2026
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