UK was 'right' to assist US in seizure of Shadow Fleet tanker, Transport Secretary says

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander insisted it was "right that the UK responded in a positive way when we were asked by the US to assist."

It comes after the US troops seized a second Russian tanker in the Caribbean, which the Ministry of Defence later confirmed was assisted by supply ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft.

US forces boarded the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel previously known as Bella-1, on Wednesday, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.

It had previously broken through Donald Trump's 'full naval blockade' of Venezuela.

Speaking to LBC's Tonight with Andrew Marr Ms Alexander defended the UK's intervention.

Read more: British forces helped US mission to seize rogue Russian-flagged tanker in Atlantic

Read more: Trump says US 'will always be there for NATO' as Greenland tensions rise

She told Andrew: "I believe it was right that the UK responded in a positive way when we were asked by the US to assist in this operation.

"This vessel has been operating as part of the Shadow Fleet for quite a while. It is part of an Iranian-Russian sanctions evasion axis.

"And the proceeds that Iran has got from transporting oil, selling oil that they then use to fund and fuel terrorism, misery and conflict from the Middle East to Ukraine needs to be tackled.

"My understanding is that this vessel sought to evade a blockade in December close to Venezuela. The Americans had been tracking it and we were asked in recent weeks to provide support.

"The Royal Auxiliary Fleet vessel Tide Force provided some enabling support. We weren't actively involved. The RAF provided some air surveillance as well."

The Minister also thanked the "professionalism" of the Armed Forces who supported the action, and confirmed she was "absolutely sure" when asked by Andrew that the UK had acted in line with international law.

She said: "The operation took place in international waters. There are strict rules around the law with respect to international waters.

"I've obviously spoken with colleagues from the Ministry of Defence and across Government, but on the basis of the information that I have received, I am confident that this operation was conducted in line with international law."

The Marinera had previously broken through Donald Trump's 'full naval blockade' of Venezuela and was sailing under a temporary permit to use the Russian flag.

Russia's foreign ministry has demanded that the US ensure "humane and proper treatment of Russian citizens aboard," calling for their rights and interests to be observed.

Ms Alexander added: "The Russians have claimed it to be a registered Russian vessel.

"My understanding, based upon the limited information that I have available to me, provided to me in the last few hours, is that the Russian flag was applied to that vessel after the evasion of the blockade on December 15."

Earlier on Wednesday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: "Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful U.S. interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia.

"This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting."