Dame Harriett Baldwin praises the Prime Minister’s efforts over the past week to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. She highlights concerns that, despite the sanctions, Russian hydrocarbons are still reaching the UK. She urges the PM to ensure that the UK’s oil and gas supply comes primarily from domestic sources.
Dame Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con)
I thank the Prime Minister for his statement and for the hard yards he is putting in at the moment for our national security. May I suggest another angle on which the House would appreciate an update? Last year, during an inquiry into Russian sanctions, the Treasury Committee received evidence that Russian hydrocarbons are still ending up in the UK. Could he explore the idea of improving our national security by ensuring that the oil and gas that we consume in this country come predominantly from this country?
The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)
The hon. Lady is right: our energy independence is hugely important, and the last three years have shown that we are far too exposed. We will obviously look closely at the question of the hydrocarbons and the sanctions.