Starmer under fire for buying dirty Russian oil' after UK quietly eases sanctions

The Independent describes its reporting approach and funding model, emphasizing fact-checking and avoiding paywalls. It then reports accusations that UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer enabled “dirty” Russian oil purchases after the UK relaxed sanctions on Moscow. Critics fear the change will boost Vladimir Putin. Senior Labour figures condemned the move, while Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it insane and said British money would fund the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. The government previously planned to block Russian oil refined in third countries to restrict Kremlin funding. With prices rising due to the Iran war, the stance shifted to allow imports of jet fuel and diesel made from Russian oil and refined elsewhere. Starmer denied lifting sanctions on Russian oil, while opponents argued the policy still benefits Russia.

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"Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of buying dirty Russian oil after the UK quietly relaxed sanctions on Moscow in a move which critics fear will be a major boost to Vladimir Putin. The move has been condemned by senior Labour figures and branded insane by Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who told the prime minister he should be ashamed that British money will be used to fund the killing of Ukrainian soldiers."

"The government previously said it would block Russian oil refined in third countries in a bid to further restrict the flow of funds to the Kremlin. But, with prices surging as a result of the Iran war, Sir Keir has shifted his stance and will now allow imports of jet fuel and diesel made from Russian oil and refined in other countries. The prime minister insisted he is not lifting sanctions on Russian oil in any way whatsoever during a fiery Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs)..."

"...but Ms Badenoch said: Labour are giving money to Russia, Reform are taking money from Russia. The UK government has been accused of leaving Ukrainians very let down' after it relaxed its sanctions on Russian crude oil."

Read at www.independent.co.uk