Put Vladimir Putin’s gas at a peep now and stop UK firms transporting Russia's assets

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

The UK should be commended for taking the lead on opposing the Russian autocracy of Vladimir Putin. The last Government was correct to push allies in expelling Russian diplomats when the rogue state used chemical weapons in Salisbury.

And we have also been steadfast in supporting Ukraine when Putin launched his unjustified invasion in 2022. Ukraine is a proud, sovereign country and the illegal actions of Russia continue to be a disgrace.

The UK, along with many others in the West, imposed tough sanctions in relation to this invasion and the penalties have hit Russia hard. However, as our story today proves, loopholes are undermining the attempt at hitting Russia in the wallet.

Russian ships are no longer allowed to enter UK ports but British firms can still help Putin transport his country’s gas around the world. One of these firms, Seapeak, is based in Glasgow. Seapeak’s actions are legal and do not break the sanctions but the firm is helping Putin in Ukraine by shipping gas.

That is why campaigners have united to demand the UK toughens its sanctions by closing this loophole. They do not believe British firms should be carrying Russia’s gas around the world and we agree.

Every effort must be made to stop Putin from generating the funds to continue his bombardment of Russia. Innocent civilians have died in this brutal war and gas sales are helping prolong the suffering. The Labour Government must step up and cut off the money supply.

Tough it out

Rachel Reeves faces one of the most daunting budgets of any incoming Chancellor. The Tories drove the economy into a ditch and it is the job of the new Labour Government to fix the damage.

Looming tax rises will be painful but also necessary to avoid deep spending cuts and another round of austerity. After 14 years of bad decisions, the UK is finally set to turn the corner.

But with many billions set to be raised, Reeves should find the extra money to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The cap is an awful policy that was introduced by the Tories and which punishes children. Scrapping it should be a Labour policy as it goes against the party’s traditional values.

Keeping it in place while trying to cut poverty is like driving down the M8 in second gear. Times are tough and difficult decisions have to be made. We could understand if the cap was abolished in the Spring spending review, rather than the Budget. But go it must.. and Reeves should set out a timetable for abolition.

Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!

Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.

You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.

No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.

All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!

If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.