The UK government has announced new legislative measures to prevent the evasion of sanctions on Russian oil, as concerns grow over the continued passage of sanctioned vessels.
UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant has revealed plans for new legislation aimed at addressing the evasion of sanctions imposed on Russian oil. During a recent hearing in the House of Commons, Bryant highlighted that the British government is committed to tackling the issue of Russian crude oil being refined in third countries and then entering the UK market against existing regulations. The UK has already seen significant success in reducing Russian imports, with sanctions halting 99.6% of these imports, yet the challenge remains to prevent sanctioned supplies from reaching UK shores.
Concerns had been raised by Members of Parliament regarding the ability of sanctioned Russian oil tankers to pass through critical areas like the English Channel without adequate oversight. Bryant emphasized that Russia has consistently sought to evade sanctions at every opportunity, necessitating that the UK government regularly reviews and updates its restrictions to ensure their effectiveness. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for preventing illicit trade routes and enhancing the enforcement of existing sanctions.
With the backdrop of continuing conflict in Ukraine, Bryant asserted that the UK must remain vigilant and prepared to escalate its sanctions, reiterating the government's commitment to
