Urgent questionWednesday, 20 May 2026

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade if he will make a statement regarding the Government’s decision to issue General Trade Licences for sanctioned processed oil products prohibited under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019

Urgent matter raised by an MP

An opposition MP is asking the government to explain why it has issued General Trade Licences allowing imports of processed oil products from Russia, despite these products being prohibited under existing UK sanctions law. The question challenges whether the government is weakening enforcement of Russia sanctions introduced after the EU exit, and seeks clarification on the policy rationale and scope of these licences.

This touches on UK sanctions enforcement against Russia and energy security policy at a time of ongoing geopolitical tension. The decision to issue such licences could signal a shift in the government's Russia stance or reveal gaps in how sanctions are applied, affecting broader perceptions of UK commitment to the international response to Russian aggression.

Urgent questions draw responses from across the House — any MP may participate, so we don't show a predicted interest list.

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