LONDON — Keir Starmer is facing criticism from leadership rivals and opposition parties over his government’s decision to ease sanctions on jet fuel and diesel made with Russian crude oil.
Conservative Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch called the move “insane” while pro-Ukraine campaigners warned that the move would lead to “celebrations” in the Kremlin.
Confronted by Badenoch about the decision in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Starmer insisted the change amounted to “two targeted short-term licences to phase the new sanctions in and protect U.K. consumers. That is standard practice.” Jet fuel and diesel, the two products “targeted” for the exemption, make up the vast majority of U.K. imports of refined oil products made using Russian crude.
Labour leadership contender Wes Streeting had been expected to oppose the move, according to a person familiar with this thinking, but later said he welcomed “assurances” from the government on the sanctions regime.
