UK's Starmer says fuel carve-out does not weaken Russia sanctions, aims to protect consumers

LONDON, May ​20 (Reuters) - British ⁠Prime Minister ​Keir Starmer said on Wednesday ​changes ‌to restrictions on ⁠Russian oil were designed to ⁠phase in ​new sanctions and protect consumers, rejecting suggestions the ​government ‌was easing pressure on Moscow.

Britain issued two licences on Tuesday ​to allow imports ‌of diesel and jet fuel refined abroad ‌from Russian crude to shore up supply.

"This is not ​a question of lifting existing ‌sanctions in any way whatsoever, and we will continue ⁠to ⁠work with ‌our allies on further sanction packages," ​Starmer ​told parliament. (Reporting ‌by Sarah Young, writing by Sam Tabahriti, editing by Elizabeth Piper)