𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A majority of Britons support sanctions on Russian oil even if this means household bills are more expensive. Despite mounting cost of living pressures and hike in prices triggered by the war in Iran, Britons want to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin and deny Vladimir Putin cash to fund his war machine in Ukraine.

A mere 22% of the population told More in Common they wanted sanctions on oil lifted, even if this boosted Russia’s economy and aided its war effort. Support for keeping sanctions in place was strongest among Conservatives (68%), followed by Liberal Democrats (66%), Labour voters (60%), Reform UK supporters (59%) and Greens (54%).

Those who feel financially comfortable are more than twice as likely (45%) to think removing sanctions would result in lower energy bills than those who cannot afford their costs and often go without essentials (20%).

Around half (49%) of Britons want Western sanctions on Russia maintained until it withdraws from Ukraine. Three in ten (29%) think these should be eased to “help bring about a peace deal”.

Support for easing sanctions was strongest among Labour voters (42%) and lowest among Liberal Democrats (25%).

The research comes as Britons are braced for higher fuel bills. The 13% hike in the energy cap in July means a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will pay £1,862 a year.

Separate polling by Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft showed that in both Russia and the UK, 62% of people believe the war will continue for more than years. This was 20 points higher than in the United States. In Ukraine, 56% thought the conflict would continue for more than a year from now.

When asked who is winning, 68% of Ukrainians and 62% of Britons said neither side has a clear advantage.

A Government spokesperson said: “Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace in Europe. Alongside international partners and through UK sanctions we are severing Putin’s access to vital cashflows and have implemented the most severe package of sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. The UK alone has sanctioned over 3,300 Russian individuals, businesses and ships. The way to get bills down for good and avoid fossil fuel price spikes is to go further and faster with this Government’s drive for clean homegrown power we control.”

The Government argues it has “led the charge” against the “shadow fleet” Russia uses to export oil. Measures were also announced this month to stop Russia evading sanctions by using cryptocurrency.