Sweden will step up insurance checks on foreign ships as worries about Russia rise
The government in Stockholm said that, starting July 1, the coast guard and the Swedish Maritime Administration will be tasked with collecting insurance information not just from ships that call at Swedish ports, but also those that pass through the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
'This underlines Sweden's clear presence in the Baltic Sea, which in itself has a deterrent effect,' Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said in a statement. 'It also provides Sweden and our allies with important information about vessels that can be used as a basis for sanctions listings of more vessels in the shadow fleet.'
Russia uses its shadow fleet to transport oil and gas, or to carry stolen Ukrainian grain. The European Union has now targeted almost 350 of the ships in total in sanctions packages, most recently on May 20.
Kristersson said that 'we are seeing more and more problematic events in the Baltic Sea and this requires us not only to hope for the best, but also to plan for the worst.'
The average age of the vessels is around 18 years, meaning they're near the end of their lifespan and are more vulnerable to accidents, especially if they're not well-maintained.
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Reuters
4 minutes ago
- Reuters
Burghley Capital: BoE Rate Cut Signals Cautious Policy Path
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Daily Mail
6 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Backlash grows against Fringe venue in free speech row over ban on Kate Forbes
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But ministers were urged to go further and ensure that Summerhall and other venues which restrict freedom of speech do not get public cash. In a separate development, it emerged that the National Library of Scotland had removed a book about the fight against the SNP Government's gender self-ID crusade from a major exhibition following concerns by staff members. Murdo Fraser, culture spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: 'There's a need across the public sector to understand that free speech needs to be upheld. 'Public bodies like the National Library of Scotland cannot be involved in censorship of public opinion because they want to protect militant activist groups in the workforce. The same has to apply to groups in receipt of public funds. 'Summerhall has received substantial grant funding from Creative Scotland and these grants need to be conditional on certain standard being met, including upholding free speech. 'The idea that anyone is terrified of Kate Forbes is laughable and it is ridiculous that one of the most powerful politicians in the country as Deputy First Minister is not going to be allowed to speak. No organisation taking that view should receive a penny of public funds.' Mr Fraser said he intends to raise the issue with Culture Secretary Angus Robertson and with Creative Scotland. Asked about the decision by LBC yesterday, Ms Robison said: 'I think we need to be tolerant of each other's views. 'She is the Deputy First Minister of Scotland and I just think it doesn't send out the right signal around freedom of speech and intolerance. 'I know Kate very well and I just don't think it sends out the right message.' Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry yesterday raised concerns about 'threats to freedom of speech in Scotland' from within her party and others. 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And I think Anas Sarwar is pretty much missing in action on this as well.' A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'While ministers have no role in booking or curation decisions taken by individual venues or institutions, the Scottish Government supports individuals' rights to freedom of expression and we are clear that there is no place for any form of discrimination in Scotland.' Summerhall Arts did not respond yesterday when asked if it would reverse its decision to prepare policies to prevent some artists and politicians like Ms Forbes appearing in future. A spokesman for Summerhall Arts said: 'The Fringe event referenced passed without incident. 'Forbes is not banned from the Summerhall building which encompasses a cafe, pub, arts venues, galleries and independent traders' offices and studios. Swinney, Curtice, Sarwar, Forbes all entered and exited the building the same way for the events over each day. 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The Guardian
21 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Boosting productivity will be main priority of autumn budget, Reeves says
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