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Question
Why allow Russian processed oil products from third countries while debating North Sea oil production? What message does this send to Ukraine, the international community, and UK workers in oil and gas? Who is leading energy security decisions?
Minister reply
Today marks a new ban on refined Russian crude oil processed in third countries. Previous sanctions were phased, as we are now doing for market stability. Licences for diesel and jet fuel are temporary and will be reviewed regularly. We aim to disrupt the shadow fleet and reduce oil transport by $1.6 billion this year.
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Question
How long will existing sanctions stand before phasing in new ones? Will there be a gap, or immediate transition?
Minister reply
Sanctions on oil and processed oil products from third countries come into force today. We are phasing in these sanctions responsibly due to energy market instability from the Middle East situation, as other nations like Australia and Canada have done. Temporary licences will last only as long as necessary and will be reviewed frequently.
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Question
Olney criticised the Government for abandoning moral principles by indirectly funding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through new sanctions on Russian oil products processed in third countries. She asked how much money would be spent on Russian oil products as a result and questioned whether lifting these sanctions would indirectly fund Putin's war.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant clarified that the Government is not lifting any sanctions but implementing new ones, making it illegal to import Russian oil products refined in third countries from today onwards. He urged Olney to withdraw her comments on this matter.
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Question
Billington questioned whether wider global insecurity around energy requires global co-operation and collaboration, suggesting the UK should lead on this issue ahead of hosting the G20 next year.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant agreed that energy security is crucial for households and businesses. He affirmed the Government's commitment to working with allies on sanctions and ensuring global cooperation.
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Question
Pritchard welcomed the new sanctions but expressed concern about 'temporary licences' allowing Russian oil imports, questioning how long these would last.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant explained that these licences will be as temporary as possible and reiterated the Government's commitment to supporting Ukraine. He assured Pritchard of his personal stance against Putin.
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Question
Eshalomi sought reassurance that 'temporary licences' would be for a limited period, similar to US sanctions restrictions, which last 30 days.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant assured Eshalomi and her constituents that the licences will be as temporary as possible. He highlighted his visit to Ukraine in 2022 and reaffirmed Britain's support for Ukraine.
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Question
Carmichael questioned whether the argument that oil is a global commodity still holds water, given recent sanctions.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant acknowledged the argument but disagreed with its application to UK drilling. He emphasised dealing with market instability due to the situation in Iran and Gulf countries.
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Question
Slinger sought assurance that Britain continues to stand firm by Ukrainian allies, addressing concerns raised by a constituent about constant uncertainty in Ukraine.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant reassured Slinger and his constituents of the UK’s support for reconstruction efforts in Ukraine, highlighting projects like bridge rebuilding with British steel and engineers.
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Question
Lewis praised Chris Bryant's long-standing opposition to Putin but criticised the handling of sanctions as clumsy. He suggested a statement might have been better than an urgent question.
Minister reply
Chris Bryant acknowledged the clumsiness and apologised, clarifying that new sanctions will prohibit imports from third countries, not lift them. He disagreed with other points raised by Lewis.
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Question
Asked about the communication failure and whether UK sanctions are departing from European colleagues.
Minister reply
Explained that the responsibility for sanctions lies across two Departments, causing miscommunication. Noted that EU introduced its legislation faster but US, Australia, Canada have similar phased approaches.
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Question
Critiqued the Government's approach to UK oil production and Russian fuel imports.
Minister reply
Acknowledged miscommunication but defended current phase approach to avoid legal limbo for businesses.
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Question
Asked if new regime will be strengthened as advertised.
Minister reply
Apologised for rhetoric and assured that the new sanctions are a positive step, though communication could have been better.
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Question
Asked about treatment of ships already en route from Russia.
Minister reply
Said phased approach is due to time lag and legal limbo concerns, offered to provide detailed letter with website updates.
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Question
Encouraged honest conversations about petrochemical reliance and cost of conflict.
Minister reply
Agreed on need for such discussions, noted Prime Minister's meetings on the situation in the Middle East.
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Question
Asked if the Government can support rural households with VAT cuts while maintaining sanctions.
Minister reply
Clarified new regulations and mentioned existing actions for 3 million UK households, noted Chancellor's consideration of issues.
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Question
Asked about conversations to move away from jet fuel reliance.
Minister reply
Emphasised need for effective sanctions, ongoing efforts on net zero in aviation industry.
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Question
Critiqued the ban on North Sea drilling while buying Russian oil.
Minister reply
Defended current phase approach and noted Russia's economic stagnation due to sanctions.
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Question
Asked about efforts to enhance domestic renewable energy production.
Minister reply
Agreed on need for enhanced renewables, mentioned Russian economic impact of sanctions.
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Question
Critiques the Minister's stance on Russian oil permits, suggesting that as long as the UK continues to import and tax foreign oil rather than exploiting its own resources, it will remain dependent on Russia.
Minister reply
Clarifies that new sanctions are being introduced to end the import of processed Russian crude oil into the UK; argues that previous imports were legal under existing regulations.
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Question
Confirms whether the new package of sanctions does not loosen any previously imposed measures.
Minister reply
Reiterates that no existing sanctions have been suspended or relaxed; introduces new legislation for end-use sanctions controls to prevent potential breaches.
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Question
Expresses concern over constituents' flights potentially using Russian fuel and questions the Government's stance on domestic oil resources.
Minister reply
Explains that it was previously legal to import processed Russian crude oil into the UK; disputes the notion of a current issue with Russian fuel in flight operations.
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Question
Asks why the Government is not prioritising measures for permanent bill reduction and fossil-fuel dependence, suggesting renewable energy alternatives.
Minister reply
Defends the sanctions on Russian oil and gas as necessary; suggests that renewables are supported by the Liberal Democrats.
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Question
Questions the environmental impact of importing gas and oil instead of utilizing domestic resources in Scotland, citing job creation and revenue generation.
Minister reply
States the objective is to debilitate Russia's war machine; argues domestic exploration would not address current energy market instability.
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Question
Highlights continued confusion among media outlets over easing of sanctions, suggesting a need for correction.
Minister reply
Confirms the sanctions regime is now tougher and plans to clarify further; acknowledges miscommunication in initial reports.
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Question
Proposes approving domestic energy projects like Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields for true energy security, urging the Government to prioritise practical solutions.
Minister reply
Acknowledges sincerity of comments but reiterates commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight against Putin.