To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government is taking to (a) monitor and (b) penalise potential attempts to evade sanctions by exporting to countries that may act as conduits to Russia.

HMRC is responsible for enforcing and monitoring controls on strategic exports and sanctioned goods and investigating potential breaches of those controls.

There are extensive trade sanctions measures in place and the UK Government monitors the effectiveness of all its sanctions, including those made through the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

All sanctions designations, legislation and structures are kept under constant review to ensure that they are as effective as possible in meeting the UK’s foreign policy priorities. This means coming down hard on sanctions evaders; closing loopholes; and working with our international partners.

HM Revenue and Customs existing enforcement mechanisms are robust and act as a deterrent against those considering circumventing sanctions measures. We take breaches of sanctions seriously and undertake a preliminary investigation into all credible allegations of an offence. Non-compliance with UK sanctions is a serious offence and punishable through large financial penalties or criminal prosecution.