Nine To Noon UK: Russian spy ship in UK waters, asylum crackdown
Nov 19, 2025
Dan Bloom, Political editor at Politico UK, delves into the intriguing presence of a Russian spy ship in British waters and the alleged laser incidents involving UK aircraft, underscoring the rising tensions with Russia. He highlights Chinese espionage tactics aimed at MPs and discusses the chaotic operational environment within Downing Street, including its cramped layout and practical dysfunctions. Bloom also analyzes Labour's tougher asylum policies amid political pressures, providing a keen insight into current UK governance challenges.
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Russian Ship Provokes Security Fears
- The Russian ship Yantar has been sailing in and out of British waters while being tracked by RAF jets.
- Britain accuses it of shining lasers at planes, raising concerns about undersea cable security and growing Russian boldness.
Incident Reflects Wider Geopolitical Shift
- Russia's increasing boldness follows the stalled peace process in Ukraine and global political shifts.
- The episode places the spy-ship incident within wider geopolitical tensions and potential impacts on European security.
China Uses Subtle Recruitment Tactics
- MPs received warnings about alleged Chinese operatives approaching them via LinkedIn, often posing as headhunters.
- Dan Bloom contrasts China’s subtle engagement tactics with Russia’s overt military provocations and notes both deny wrongdoing loudly.