Keir Starmer has rejected Conservative assertions that the government is easing sanctions on Russian oil and criticized Kemi Badenoch for inadequate preparation.
During a recent announcement, the Prime Minister unveiled a comprehensive new set of sanctions that he claimed surpass previous measures. This decision comes in the wake of a new trade license permitting the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third-party countries due to escalating costs following the Iran conflict.
Following in the footsteps of the United States, the UK has extended a sanctions waiver to facilitate the purchase of Russian seaborne oil, aiming to assist nations vulnerable to energy shortages resulting from the Iran conflict. Despite the UK’s prohibition on direct imports of Russian coal, gas, and oil since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a loophole allowed for the import of jet fuel and other oil products from third-party refineries that may have originated from Russia. Earlier promises to close this loophole seem to have been reversed.
The decision to import fuel refined abroad from Russian crude oil is expected to alleviate pressure on households grappling with soaring fuel prices. These sanctions were implemented to target Russia’s economy following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
During a session of PMQs, Ms. Badenoch accused the government of diluting the sanctions, a claim vehemently refuted by ministers. The Prime Minister clarified that the short-term licenses were a strategic approach to gradually implement stronger sanctions while safeguarding UK consumers.
In a subsequent Urgent Question session regarding the licenses, Sir Chris Bryant, the Business and Trade Minister, acknowledged mishandling the situation, admitting to poor communication. He emphasized the intention to fortify, not weaken, the sanctions regime with the new legislation.
The Prime Minister has been a staunch advocate for Ukraine and forged a close bond with Volodymyr Zelensky, visibly demonstrating support through various initiatives like the Coalition of the willing.
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