(Wells) (Con):
It is clear from the way in which the Russian Government have
responded that they show no remorse whatsoever. Will the Minister
therefore suggest to colleagues in the Foreign Office that they
encourage Germany and the EU to revisit their enthusiasm for the
Nord Stream project, because that would bring with it the dual
advantage of diminishing Russian leverage over our friends and
allies in eastern Europe while also hitting Putin very hard
indeed in his bank account?
The Minister for Security and Economic Crime (Mr Ben
Wallace):...It is just good energy policy for any
country not to be dependent on one single source, either because
of political exposure or just because of differences on energy.
It is really important that we always make sure that our energy
policy is diverse. Obviously, our European partners have tried to
do the same, and I would urge them to continue with that.
(Stirling) (Con):
Does the hon. Gentleman share the concerns felt by many Members
about the Nord Stream 2 project, which leaves our allies in the
Baltic states and in central Europe feeling particularly exposed?
(Aberavon)
(Lab): Yes, I do share that concern. I think it is clear
that, at the very least, a pause is necessary, and I think that
the European Union needs to take the required action to make that
happen. We need to pause and review how it will work, but Europe
needs a plan B for its energy, and the key must be to reduce its
dependence on Russian hydrocarbons. That must be the strategic
objective...
:...I am grateful to
my hon. Friend for that contribution, which underpins why our
friends and allies, especially in the Baltic states, are
incredibly nervous about the developments that have transpired in
recent times. That is why I intervened on the hon. Member for
Aberavon to ask about the Nord Stream 2 project. I hope that our
Government’s representations to the German Government are as
forthright as they need to be in respect of the risks and dangers
posed to European security by their determination—or at least so
it appears, from the outside looking in—to proceed with the Nord
Stream 2 project. I very much hope that our representations to
the German Government are of such a nature that they are in no
doubt as to how we see that situation...
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