UK Defence Secretary John Healey has revealed that the country's oil tanker, which was sanctioned by the US, had changed flags five times over the past five years. The vessel, which is owned by a Russian-flagged company and carries Iranian crude oil, was intercepted by the US in the North Atlantic.
Healey explained that the vessel was being used to evade sanctions and had been falsely flying the Guyana ensign when it was seized by the US. He said the UK supported the US actions because they were aimed at enforcing counter-Iran sanctions, tackling global security threats posed by "expanding shadowy maritime activity", and reinforcing British homeland defence and security in an era of rising threats.
The vessel's activities have raised concerns about its role in financing terrorism and instability across the world. Healey stated that the Iranian regime continues to export violence through its proxies and partners, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Healey also discussed the UK's plans for supporting Ukraine's long-term armaments and policing of any ceasefire. He said he is visiting Kyiv "soon" to continue discussions on this matter, with US envoy Steve Witkoff having given strong commitments over security guarantees for Ukraine.
In response to questions from Labour MP James Cartlidge, Healey clarified that the UK would deploy fewer than 7,500 troops to Ukraine to police any peace deal. The defence secretary also stated that the final details of the deployment and commitment of other nations depend on the peace plan and will not be revealed until then.
Healey's comments came after Nigel Farage claimed that allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his time at Dulwich College were "complete made-up fantasies".
Healey explained that the vessel was being used to evade sanctions and had been falsely flying the Guyana ensign when it was seized by the US. He said the UK supported the US actions because they were aimed at enforcing counter-Iran sanctions, tackling global security threats posed by "expanding shadowy maritime activity", and reinforcing British homeland defence and security in an era of rising threats.
The vessel's activities have raised concerns about its role in financing terrorism and instability across the world. Healey stated that the Iranian regime continues to export violence through its proxies and partners, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Healey also discussed the UK's plans for supporting Ukraine's long-term armaments and policing of any ceasefire. He said he is visiting Kyiv "soon" to continue discussions on this matter, with US envoy Steve Witkoff having given strong commitments over security guarantees for Ukraine.
In response to questions from Labour MP James Cartlidge, Healey clarified that the UK would deploy fewer than 7,500 troops to Ukraine to police any peace deal. The defence secretary also stated that the final details of the deployment and commitment of other nations depend on the peace plan and will not be revealed until then.
Healey's comments came after Nigel Farage claimed that allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his time at Dulwich College were "complete made-up fantasies".
. Changing flags five times in one year? That's just asking for trouble, innit? And now we're talking sanctions and terrorism and whatnot... it's all so complicated 
. I mean, I get where Healey is coming from, trying to enforce those counter-sanctions and all that, but at the end of the day, it's just a big ol' headache 
. And let's not forget about Ukraine... poor country's been through enough already 
. Can't we just have a nice cuppa and talk things through instead of sending in troops? 
I'm not sure about this, mate... 5 flags in 5 years? That just sounds shady to me. 
Can we get some more info on what's really going on here? It seems like the UK is backing the US on sanctions, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around why they're allowing a vessel that's been flagged multiple times to carry oil from Iran... 
i mean, what's the point of even having a flag if you're just gonna change it every other week? 
seriously though, it sounds like this vessel is up to some shady stuff. i'm not surprised the US is cracking down on it - we can't let Iran and its proxies keep using our oceans as a way to fuel their terrorist activities 
. but what's really got me thinking is how fast we're moving towards all-out war in Ukraine 
. deploying 7500 troops isn't that many when you think about the millions of people affected by this conflict... it just feels like another example of how governments are always a little too quick to send in the big guns 
.
. changing flags five times in one year? that's some top-notch 'innovation' right there 
. and of course, it was all about evading sanctions... because who needs international cooperation when you've got American might, am I right? 
. and let's not forget about the 'expanding shadowy maritime activity'... sounds like just a fancy way of saying 'we're scared' 
.
. at least someone's trying to do something about it 
.
is this real? Like, how many times did that ship just change flags? 5 times in 5 years?! 
. But at the same time, I'm all for supporting Ukraine and making sure they're safe from Russia's aggression 
. And they're just getting away with it because of some sanctions and stuff... I don't get why we can't just have one set of rules for everyone, you know? 
. But what's really going on here? Is our government just a pawn in some bigger game? I mean, we're talking about financing terrorism and instability... that's some serious red flags waving around 
.
. Like, come on mate, if you've got nothing to hide, why not just tell the truth for once? I'm all for speaking out against injustice, but let's at least have some integrity in this conversation 
.
. We're talking about sending 7,500 troops to keep the peace... that's not exactly a secret operation 
. I hope we can get some real details out soon, because right now it feels like just more hot air 
.
. Nigel Farage's response to allegations? ugh, that's just uncomfortable to read about 
.
but at the same time, I get what Healey is saying - security threats everywhere! 
it's also good to hear that the UK is supporting Ukraine, we really need to be looking out for each other in these uncertain times 
but honestly, can't we just focus on taking care of our own mental and physical health? 
Can't believe our leaders are still playing cat and mouse with sanctions. It's like they're trying to outsmart the system 
. Changing flags five times in one year is some next-level stuff 
. And what's with the Guyana ensign nonsense? Who does that? 
. I'm not buying it either 
. Let's hope those plans come together smoothly and dont put unnecessary pressure on Ukrainian forces