Committee publication · Correspondence · 30 June 2026
Correspondence with the Minister for Trade relating to the general trade licences under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations, dated 26 June and 10 June 2026
Summary
Correspondence between the Foreign Affairs Committee Chair and the Minister for Trade regarding two general trade licences issued alongside new Russia sanctions in May 2026. The Committee raised concerns that licences exempting diesel, jet fuel, and LNG services severely undermined the sanctions' impact and were poorly communicated to allies. The Minister's response confirms FCDO consultation, sets a 1 January 2027 end date for both licences, commits to fortnightly reviews, and acknowledges communication failures while outlining improved inter-departmental coordination going forward.
Key findings
- Two general trade licences issued May 2026 exempt imports of diesel and jet fuel processed from Russian crude and allow maritime services for Russian LNG transfers to/between third countries.
- Committee contends licences severely limit sanctions impact at critical moment when Ukraine's attacks have forced Putin to ban jet fuel exports domestically.
- Minister confirms FCDO Sanctions Unit was consulted in advance and that policy was developed through cross-Government coordination including the FCDO Sanctions Directorate.
- Both licences now have fixed end date of 1 January 2027 with fortnightly review checkpoints; Minister commits to providing four months' notice before lifting.
- Government acknowledges 'confusion in domestic and international media' and commits to strengthening communication processes with Parliament, media, and international partners in future.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Dame Emily Thornberry MP, Foreign Affairs Committee, Department for Business and Trade, FCDO Sanctions Unit, Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Notable line
“We recognise that the presentation of these measures led to some confusion in domestic and international media and risked detracting from our overall highly ambitious measures aimed at increasing the economic pressure against Russia.”
Key Quotes
“… the practical effect of the licences is to severely limit the impact these new sanctions might have had on Russia, at least in the short term.”
“It is a great disappointment to the Foreign Affairs Committee that the work the UK is doing to increase the pressure on Russia to end the devastating conflict in Ukraine should be so poorly communicated to our allies.”
“The Government remains fully committed to restrict ing Russia's ability to prosecute its illegal war, by clamping down on key sources of Russian revenue that might facilitate this.”
“These licences are subject to ongoing review with fortnightly checkpoints, and may be amended, suspended or revoked as appropriate and both contain an end date of 1 January”
“We will seek to lift the licences as soon as practicable, subject to endeavouring to provide industry with four months' notice.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗