Ex-arms tycoon denies interconnector security risk

Alexander Temerko said he was "quite optimistic" that the cross-Channel cable would go ahead

A former Russian arms tycoon has said he is hopeful that a proposed cross-Channel electricity link will be built, despite security fears from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Alexander Temerko, who is now a British citizen, is part-owner of Aquind, which is planning to build an interconnector between Hampshire and Normandy.

The Ukrainian-born businessman said he believed he had addressed the MoD's concerns over a "protected" part of Portsmouth.

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, the Tory party donor said the project, which was first announced in 2016, was in "good shape".

The Ministry of Defence has said operations in and around Portsmouth Naval Base would be compromised

The £1.35bn interconnector would allow the UK to import electricity from France or potentially export power when conditions allowed.

Aquind has previously said the planned 2GW system could supply up to 5% of the UK's energy needs, reduce prices and secure power supplies.

A government decision to refuse the scheme was overturned by the High Court in 2023, and a further decision is expected soon.

In 2024, the MoD told ministers the project would "clearly and unacceptably impede and compromise" operations in and around Portsmouth Naval Base.

Mr Temerko said he was working to allay those concerns.

He said: "It's absolutely wrong. National security risk is not my background at all.

"I love this county. It's my second motherland. I fight with Putin, I was a refugee, I come to this country, I receive citizenship.

"I continue to fight with the biggest enemy of humanity - Putin and Russia. I support Ukraine financially."

Mr Temerko's website lists former defence roles in the Russian government and his leadership of an arms corporation which supplied Russian forces.

He said he had fully taken over the Aquind project following the death this year of his Russian business partner and fellow Tory donor Viktor Fedotov.

He added: "We give [the MoD] all opportunity.

"I say I want to put the cable deeper, I can give you all my procurement, check my procurement, I give you all my cable and all my converter station for under your control.

"I believe we manage that... I am quite optimistic.

"I am a well-funded business. We have a very good shape. We need only to finalise discussions with the defence office."