McArthur praises ‘steadfast determination’ of Orkney people

The ‘steadfast determination’ of people in Orkney for their role in preventing NS Champion berthing at the Flotta oil terminal and securing a wider ban on Russian vessels entering the UK was praised by the county’s MSP Liam McArthur yesterday.

He said that he had “rarely felt prouder of our community” for the “pivotal role” it played in realising this outcome.

Following the announcement by the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, that UK ports should prevent access to Russian vessels, Mr McArthur secured a Topical Question at Holyrood where he sought further assurances on how this will be implemented.

Scottish Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, confirmed that the prevention of vessels connected to Russia on entering UK ports will come into force from 3pm on Tuesday.  The amendment to the UK sanctions regime will also include the power to detain any such vessels connected to Russia already in the UK.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament, Mr McArthur said:

“Cancelling the contract with Sovcomflot and preventing NS Champion berthing at the Flotta oil terminal was absolutely the right thing to do.

“It also represents a victory for people in Orkney who have been steadfast in their determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.

“Through their defiance, major oil companies have had to act. As a result, money that would’ve flowed into supporting Putin’s bloodthirsty regime has been stopped.”

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“It is good to hear that amendments have now been made to the sanctions regime to ensure this ban will have legal force.  This avoids a situation where port authorities, including here in Orkney, are left potentially exposed to costly legal challenge.

“Given the complex ownership, leasing and flagging arrangements within the shipping sector, I also welcome Mr Matheson’s confirmation of the close co-operation between UK authorities in sharing intelligence.  This will be vital in ensuring these measures target all those vessels and activity linked to the Russian state.