LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – As a result of the Ukraine conflict, PM Johnson has advocated for a “step-by-step” transition away from Russian gas and oil.
Following conversations with the Prime Ministers of Canada and the Netherlands, Mr Johnson stated that nations must work together to find alternatives.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, stated that Europe did not want to repeat the mistake of being overly reliant on Russia.
However, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned that imposing a boycott at this time would have “huge consequences.”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany warned against banning Russian oil and gas.
He added in a statement that Russian energy has been “deliberately exempted” from sanctions in Europe because its supply cannot be ensured “any other manner” at this time.
Boris Johnson’s call occurred after he, Mr Rutte and Mr Trudeau further discussed sanctions against Russia and help for Ukraine in a Downing Street news conference.
When asked about reports that the US is in active talks with European countries about blocking Russian oil imports, Mr Johnson said that Western allies are “moving very, very fast” and that things that would not have been discussed weeks ago are “now very much on the table.”
In the days to come, he said he will lay out a new energy supply strategy, indicating the UK was considering using more of its own fossil fuels.
However, he stated that the UK would not abandon its commitment to reduce carbon emissions.
The United Kingdom imports less than 5% of its gas from Russia, compared to around 40% for EU members.
Mr Rutte said at the news conference that the transition would have to be “diligent and not overnight,” and that renewable energy would have to be adopted more quickly.
He added that a rapid change would “essentially disrupt supply networks all around the world, notably in Europe,” and that it would also affect Ukraine.
Mr Johnson also promised an additional £175 million from UK aid to Ukraine, while Mr Trudeau stated that Canada would sanction ten more Russian billionaires and officials.
