Issue of British luxury cars crossing into Russia to be 'taken seriously' by government

A senior minister has said UK government departments responsible for implementing sanctions will take seriously Sky News reports showing new British luxury cars being moved across the border into Russia.

UK companies can no longer sell directly to Russia due to sanctions applied in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

But people in Russia have found a way to import goods and avoid sanctions.

Sky News has seen brand new Jaguar Land Rover cars made in Solihull this year being driven from Georgia and across the Russian border.

Other luxury cars made in Europe such as Lamborghinis, Porsches and Mercedes were also seen awaiting to be driven across the border, thereby avoiding being part of customs data.

Senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden said it's "really important" sanctions are "properly applied".

Read more: Analysis: Questions remain on UK car exports

UK exports to countries neighbouring Russia have soared since the export limitations to Russia came into effect.

"I'm sure that the relevant parts of government that are responsible for the policing of sanctions will take that report seriously. They should, Russia's invasion of Ukraine was an appalling act of aggression," Mr McFadden told Kay Burley on Sky News Breakfast.

"That's why these sanctions are in place not just from us, but from other European countries, too," he added.

"And our position is foursquare behind Ukraine as they are engaged in a desperate fight for survival against a totally unjustified war of aggression on Russia's part."

A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said: "JLR stopped sales of vehicles to Russia and Belarus in February 2022. Sanctions compliance is a corporate priority, as well as an obligation for our third-party retail network.

"An ongoing investigation into these vehicles has confirmed they were not supplied by JLR to the Georgia market. They were supplied by JLR to retailers in countries that do not share a border with Russia and then in turn sold to customers in those countries, which are subject to similar sanctions and export controls as we are in the UK in relation to Russia.

"JLR, along with its retailer network, continues to adapt its compliance strategies to counter the efforts of third parties seeking to circumvent sanctions against Russia and Belarus."

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An HMG spokesperson said: "The UK has banned the export of thousands of goods to Russia, including cars. Over £20bn of UK trade with Russia is now under sanctions and we will continue to ratchet up economic pressure until it ends its brutal invasion of Ukraine.

"We are also working with UK businesses and exporters to ensure sanctioned goods are not supplied to Russia, and we expect them to continue to check their compliance with relevant UK sanctions."