UK Speaker hits out at Starmer govt for turning secret Russian spy operations into TV drama

UK House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle publicly rebuked the government after Defence Secretary John Healey revealed allegations about a “Russian spy ship” to the media instead of Parliament, breaching the ministerial code. Hoyle condemned ministers for repeatedly prioritising TV briefings over elected lawmakers. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns was forced to deliver the statement, alleging that lasers from the Russian vessel Yantar targeted British pilots monitoring activity near UK waters. Moscow dismissed the accusations as “Russophobia,” insisting the ship was operating in international waters. The row deepens tensions as London accuses Russia of mapping undersea cables.