Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions Debate

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Department: Department for Business and Trade

Processed Russian Oil Products: Sanctions

Mike Martin Excerpts
Wednesday 20th May 2026

(3 weeks, 3 days ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant
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We are putting an end to the import of these products from Russia. We want to debilitate and degrade the Russian war machine. The point I would make to the hon. Member is that even if we were to grant licences today for further exploration, that would not solve the problem that we have today, arising from the instability in the energy market because of the war in Iran.

Mike Martin Portrait Mike Martin (Tunbridge Wells) (LD)
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Picking up the theme of mishandled communications, and the anxiety that they caused many of our constituents, the Financial Times is still reporting an easing of sanctions, as is the BBC. Those are not outlets known for hyperbole. Perhaps the Government could issue a correction to major media outlets.

Chris Bryant Portrait Chris Bryant
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I am trying to do that here, now, live. Indeed, I went to see the BBC earlier and gave it a clip. Just to be absolutely clear, we are not suspending any sanctions. The sanctions regime in the UK is tougher today than it was yesterday, a week ago, or a year ago. I am certain that as I in the Department for Business and Trade and my colleagues in the Foreign Office continue to look into the constant diversion and subversion of our sanctions regime, the regime will get even tougher as the months and years proceed.