LONDON — The U.K. is reviewing how it defends key infrastructure like undersea gas pipelines and data cables, amid growing fears of sabotage by Vladimir Putin’s Russia.
Protecting “critical undersea infrastructure” will be covered by the government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which is due to be completed in weeks, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson told POLITICO.
Experts said damage to undersea pipes and cables could disrupt energy supply and communications systems. One senior MP warned that any such damage could pose “a serious threat” to U.K. security.
Around 40 percent of the U.K.’s gas supply — vital for heating homes and keeping the lights on — is imported from Norway. Much of that gas goes through the single, 700-mile Langeled pipeline.
