Pembrokeshire MP calls for boycott of Russian gas

Following the Prime Minister’s statement to Parliament yesterday, outlining the retaliation measures the UK would be taking against Russia, Mr Crabb stood up to give his backing to the Prime Minister’s response but called for her to go even further by blocking Russian imports of LNG.

Of the six LNG tankers that have made deliveries into the UK so far in 2018, three have carried cargoes originally from Russia, leading to concerns of Russia's growing influence on the UK's gas market.

Mr Crabb said: “Russia deliberately tries to extend its influence across Europe through its energy supplies. But Britain should not be providing a market for Russian gas.

"We have excellent LNG import facilities here in Pembrokeshire trading with strong allies such as Qatar and Malaysia.

"If we need more gas coming into the UK then we should be importing it from them.”

“I was encouraged by the Prime Minister’s promise to look into this issue and I look forward to seeing whether the Government decides to support my call for a boycott of Russian gas.”

Today (Thursday) the Financial Times reported that a cargo of LNG which has departed a new facility on the US east coast has changed course in the mid-Atlantic.

It is now said to be heading for the Dragon LNG facility in Waterston.

The FT article states that the Gemmata left the newly opened Cove Point terminal in Maryland around 10 days ago and has suddenly turned towards the UK.

While the change of course comes on the back of the Prime Minister's comments on Russia, the FT reports that higher gas prices in the uK could be behind the move.

Earlier this month the National Grid issued a gas deficit warning as the snow and exceptionally cold weather from the Beast from the East hit the UK.

The Dragon and South Hook LNG facilities have the capacity to provide up to 30% of the UK's gas needs.