Councils across England are reviewing supplies from Gazprom following the invasion of Ukraine.
told BBC Radio London he was "not at all comfortable with having any relationship with a Russian-sponsored firm on the scale that we are at the moment".
He added: "It's not acceptable that councils are being forced to carry on a relationship with a Russian firm. It's just not on and we want to stop it and break our contract."Bristol City Councilsaid it had begun reviewing financial links with all Russian companies following the invasion, adding: "A contract with Gazprom to supply our housing estate ended last year."The data firm Tussell says UK councils paid £29m to Gazprom from 2016 to 2021.
A Local Government Association spokesperson said councils were "deeply saddened by the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine and are following the situation closely". "It is up to individual councils to decide how to act locally but, like many organisations, they will be reviewing what action they might want to take in light of UK sanctions and the ongoing situation," they added.A government spokesperson said: "We will work closely with councils and other public bodies to ensure they are able to comply with the financial and investment restrictions on Russia and will engage with them on what support they need to do this.
"The UK is in no way dependent on Russian gas supply and our highly diverse sources of gas supply and a diverse electricity mix ensures that households, businesses, and heavy industry get the energy they need."
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oil soars to $110 as European energy companies shun Russian crude\n\t\t\tExpert insights, analysis and smart data help you cut through the noise to spot trends,\n\t\t\trisks and opportunities.\n\t\t\n\t\tJoin over 300,000 Finance professionals who already subscribe to the FT.
Read more »
If you want to hit Russian economy hard, aim for energy exportSanctions debate rapidly heading towards energy sanctions in Ukraine-Russia crisis
Read more »
British Gas owner follows BP and Shell in cutting Russia tiesCentrica announces end of gas supply agreement with Kremlin-controlled Gazprom
Read more »
Everton suspend deals with Russian sponsors as Usmanov calls sanctions 'unfair'Everton have suspended all sponsorship deals with Russian companies as a response to the invasion of Ukraine. The Premier League club has confirmed their partnerships with USM, Megafon and Yota hav…
Read more »
In Canada, world’s second largest Ukrainian diaspora grieves invasionThe community is mobilizing resources and seeking solace in one and other as their homeland reels from Russian attack
Read more »