Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Russian Oil Sales

Tuesday 16 June 2026 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister announced further sanctions designating 70 individuals, entities and ships under the UK's sanctions regime.
  • UK is working with international partners including France and the United States to interdict vessels and disrupt Russia's energy trade revenue.
  • Sanctions temporary licences are being phased in with clear end dates set for review every two weeks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has been considering increasing economic pressure on Russia through sanctions. Recent events highlight the need for international cooperation.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with international partners on the potential merits of increasing sanctions against Russia?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We are committed to increasing the economic pressure on Russia by disrupting the revenue the Kremlin generates from Russia's energy trade, including oil. The Prime Minister has today announced further sanctions, designating and specifying 70 individuals, entities and ships under the UK's sanctions regulations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with international partners were not detailed

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Q2 Gregory Stafford Con Farnham and Bordon
Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has implemented new powers allowing military interdictions of vessels linked to Russia. However, there have been no actual interceptions yet.

Question

What is the Department doing with the Ministry of Defence and international partners to ensure that this is a sustained approach, rather than a one-off?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The hon. Gentleman will understand that I am not going to comment on future operational matters. We have assisted in the interdictions of other vessels, including by working with the French and the United States in relation to the Bella 1.

Not addressed: Refused to provide details about sustained approach

How: Will Not Comment On Future Operational Matters

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Q3 Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The Government has announced a temporary waiver allowing imports of Russian oil via third countries, which the questioner views as undermining support for Ukraine.

Question

I ask the Foreign Secretary to reverse course on this indefinite waiver and close any loopholes putting any money into Putin's war machine.

Answer from Stephen Doughty

First, it was never an indefinite waiver; we said that we were keeping it under two-weekly review. Yesterday in the House, we set clear end dates for those temporary licences, which are to phase in these measures. Of course, these are new measures—we were never watering down previous sanctions; these are toughening the sanctions on Russia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reversing the waiver or closing loopholes

How: It Was Never An Indefinite Waiver

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Q4 Gareth Snell Labour (Co-op) Stoke-on-Trent Central
Business & Trade
Context

The sanctioned oil and gas from Russia are often used by companies in China and Turkey to manufacture products, which are then sold in the UK. This distorts domestic manufacturing.

Question

What evidence is the Department sharing with the Department for Business and Trade so that it can put in place the trade remedies necessary?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

My hon. Friend raises an important issue. I would be happy to discuss it further with him, as, I am sure, would colleagues from the Department for Business and Trade.

Not addressed: Did not provide specific evidence or actions being taken

How: Would Be Happy To Discuss

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Q5 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Brexit Foreign Affairs Energy
Context

The Government has announced further sanctions but is considering a ban on Russian-originated diesel and jet fuel imports until 2027, despite the urgency of supporting Ukraine.

Question

Does the Minister think that the situation can wait until 2027 for the introduction of the ban on Russian-originated diesel and jet fuel imports?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The shadow Minister asks an important question. I made it clear in yesterday's Delegated Legislation Committee that that is the end date, but we are keeping it under review every two weeks and the licence could end before then, with the appropriate notice in place for industry.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a sooner ban than 2027

How: Reviewing Every Two Weeks

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