Keir Starmer Defends UK Sanctions on Russian Oil Amid Controversy
Keir Starmer says no lifting of Russian oil sanctions after backlash

Image: Mirror
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected claims that the government is lifting sanctions on Russian oil, asserting that new measures are being introduced to strengthen existing sanctions. This follows backlash over a new trade license allowing imports of jet fuel and diesel refined from Russian crude in third countries, which has raised concerns about the government's commitment to sanctions amid rising fuel prices.
- 01Starmer accused Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of misinformation regarding the sanctions.
- 02The UK has banned direct imports of Russian coal, gas, and oil since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- 03The government has issued short-term licenses to allow imports of fuel refined abroad from Russian crude oil.
- 04Businesses and Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant admitted the government mishandled communication regarding the new sanctions.
- 05Starmer emphasized continued collaboration with allies on further sanctions against Russia.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has firmly denied accusations from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that the government is easing sanctions on Russian oil. In response to rising fuel prices exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war, the UK announced a new package of sanctions, which includes short-term licenses for importing jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries from Russian crude. This move follows a similar decision by the United States to support energy-vulnerable nations. Starmer insisted that the new measures go beyond existing sanctions and are designed to phase in stronger restrictions while protecting UK consumers. However, the announcement has drawn criticism, with Minister Sir Chris Bryant acknowledging that the government could have communicated its intentions more effectively. He stressed that the goal is to strengthen the sanctions regime, not weaken it. The UK has maintained a ban on direct Russian imports since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but loopholes have allowed for the import of refined products. Starmer's administration continues to support Ukraine and collaborate with international allies on sanctions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The new sanctions and trade licenses could impact fuel prices for UK households, potentially leading to increased costs.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the UK government's approach to sanctions on Russian oil?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


