Williamson warning as UK frigate shadows Russian ship

DEFENCE Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday said he would ‘not hesitate’ to defend Britain following a rise in the number of Russian ships passing close to UK territorial waters.

It came as Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans was tracking the Russian vessel Admiral Gorshkov as it made its way across the North Sea close to Britain.

Although such crossings are fairly routine, they have increased in recent days. On Christmas Eve, HMS Tyne was dispatched to escort a Russian intelligence ship through the North Sea and the English Channel.

A Wildcat helicopter was then dispatched to monitor two further vessels. In an unusually strong statement, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: ‘I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.

‘ Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.’

Chris Ansell, the commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: ‘There is a pressing need to protect UK interests close to home, in the air, above and below the waves. Our trade, economy and information networks depend on the sea, and this operation demonstrates the Royal Navy’s commitment to protecting our home waters and readiness to undertake short notice operations.’

‘Duty to keep Britain safe’