A Russian oil tanker detained in Britain for nearly four years should be banned from leaving until Vladimir Putin ’s forces quit Ukraine, a former Cabinet Minister urged today.
The 1,800-tonne Tecoil Polaris was held over a series of safety defects when she sailed into Immingham, Lincs, in June 2018 to collect 1,665 tonnes of oil.
Detained ships are usually allowed to depart once faults are fixed.
But Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, a former Energy Secretary, called for the vessel to continue to be impounded until the Russians leave Ukraine.
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He told the Mirror: “It doesn’t make a difference whether this ship docked in the UK this week or four years ago, now Russia has invaded Ukraine, Russian ships cannot be allowed to head home with British oil.
“The Government must take action to prevent the ship from leaving our shores.”
The UK today became the first country to ban ships with "any Russian connection" from entering its ports.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted: "At London's Foreign Office where we've just become the first nation to pass a law involving a total BAN of ALL ships with ANY Russian connection whatsoever from entering British ports."
It came after a row over whether the Russian-owned tanker NS Champion should be allowed to dock in the Orkneys.
The ship’s agent cancelled the planned visit, due today, after an outcry.
Mr Shapps earlier urged UK ports urging them to refuse access to Russian boats.
The Cabinet minister wrote: "Russia's assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state.
"The UK Government has been clear there would be massive consequences and a severe cost for any Russian military incursion into Ukraine and, in coordination with our international allies and partners, we are developing an unprecedented package of further sanctions.
"The maritime sector is fundamental to international trade and we must play our part in restricting Russia's economic interests and holding the Russian government to account.
"In these circumstances, the Department for Transport does not consider it appropriate for Russian vessels to enter UK ports."
A Government spokeswoman said: "UK Government ministers have today signed legislation banning all ships that are Russian owned, operated, controlled, chartered, registered or flagged from entering British ports.”
