Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected claims that he is lifting sanctions on Russian oil, following the introduction of a trade licence permitting the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries. The licence, which came into effect on Wednesday, has sparked criticism from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Labour MPs, who argue it undermines support for Ukraine.
Starmer's Defence of New Sanctions Package
Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir stated that the government announced a "strong new package" of sanctions on Tuesday that goes "well beyond" existing measures. He emphasised that the trade licence is a temporary measure to phase in new sanctions and protect UK consumers from rising fuel costs linked to the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. "This is not a question of lifting existing sanctions in any way whatsoever," he said, adding that similar phasing-in techniques were used by the previous government.
Criticism from Opposition and Within Labour
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of "sneaking out" an announcement to remove sanctions on Russian oil, calling it "insane" to water down measures while refusing to fully exploit North Sea resources. Labour chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dame Emily Thornberry, expressed disappointment, noting that Ukraine feels "very let down" by the delay in closing the loophole. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey acknowledged a "trade-off" between cost-of-living pressures and support for Ukraine, pledging to review the changes.
Government Apology and Clarification
Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant apologised to MPs for the "clumsy" handling of the issue, taking full responsibility for the miscommunication between his department and the Foreign Office. He insisted the new legislation would ultimately ban imported Russian oil refined in third countries, and that the licences would be "as temporary as possible." The licence will be periodically reviewed as fuel prices fluctuate due to global conflicts.
Starmer further accused Badenoch of misunderstanding the situation, noting that other allies like the EU, Australia, and Canada use similar phasing-in methods. He reiterated the government's support for Ukraine and commitment to working with allies on further sanctions packages.
