For those who have been paying attention, for the past several days the U.K. political discussion has centered around major political embarrassment for Prime Minister Keir Starmer following the very public resignation of most of the British defense cabinet members, including the Minister of Defense.

The cited reason for the chaos is Starmer’s unwillingness to support or fund the U.K military, leaving their resources in a critical state of depletion.  Starmer has delivered grand prose to NATO about leading military operations in Ukraine, the Arctic Circle and the Strait of Hormuz. However, in reality they have few working ships, only one working carrier, no training equipment and they have to shout “BANG” during military exercises because they don’t have the money for blank ammunition in their weapons.  The state of the U.K. military is now a well-known embarrassment.

Following the resignation of almost all the British military leadership, Starmer was facing serious political ridicule.  Then, last night, in what can only be honestly described as a transparent political optic, Starmer staged the seizing of a “Russian shadow fleet” oil tanker, which he bragged about on the X platform – complete with cinematography to showcase the boldness of the operation.

You really have to see the video Prime Minister Starmer organized [shared below] to promote his display of strength against the horrible Russians.  [It is presumed the designation of “shadow fleet” comes from the lack of London insurance on the vessel itself.]

Viewers will note the ¹cinematography of the video release, the lighting and the staged nature of the camera recording within the imagery.  Notice how the ‘marines’ sent the cameraman down the steps first, to capture the lead special operator as he descended the stairs. 😂 Notice also the lighting and use of night vision goggles to enhance the dramatic visual.  🙄 Then there’s the dramatically pre-opened doors, and the mysterious way the camera man is inside the room before the special forces arrive 🤣. The only thing missing is the background music “ride of the Valkyries” as the Royal Marines carry out the mission.

Honestly folks, I’ve been laughing all night… This is too much:

Despite Putin’s best efforts to evade sanctions, we will not let him get away with it. pic.twitter.com/IIW3Cv2ENQ

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 14, 2026

¹It is not lost on me how the British previously used fake inflatable tanks to fool the Germans in World War II.  Wash-Rinse-Repeat for domestic consumption. lol