Public sector urged to review Russian contracts

New Cabinet Office guidance has called for all public sector organisations to urgently review contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies.

Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has already been met with resounding international condemnation and sanctions, with the UK imposing strict penalties on companies and individuals tied to the Putin regime.

The new guidance recommends that public bodies, including government departments and hospitals, immediately seek to identify any contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies and, if possible to switch suppliers with minimal disruption, pursue legal routes of cancelling them.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said: “Public money should not fund Putin’s war machine. We are asking hospitals, councils and other organisations across the public sector to urgently look at all the ways they can go further to sever their commercial ties to Russia. The government will continue to work closely with these organisations, ensuring they are able to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible, including taking legal routes where necessary.”