Stockport Council urged to cancel deal with Gazprom

All ties between Stockport Council and Russian-owned energy firm Gazprom should be cut, according to one councillor in the borough.

Currently, the council has a contract with Gazprom to supply gas — but Tom Morrison says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine should be reason enough to cancel the deal.

The Liberal Democrat also wants the council to ‘review how procurement is handled full stop’.

“What we have seen with this crisis is not just councils, but the NHS and other public sector bodies, are in these contracts with companies that are related to unsavoury foreign states,” Coun Morrison told the Manchester Evening News .

“I have requested the council review all the business contracts and investment relationships to make sure we are not related to any country that does not believe in our democratic way of life or has an appalling human rights record.

“We cannot be funding Putin or the Chinese state, I think this gives us an opportunity to do that.”

Dramatic images show the extent of the damage caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine (Getty Images)

Mr Morrison accepts that politicians have ‘taken their off the ball with this’ — but insists the authority cannot ‘be in this position in 10 years’ time’.

He added: “Councils, councillors, and MPs have taken our eye off the ball on this. It is awful that it has taken [war] to happen in Ukraine for everyone to realise we cannot do this. We cannot allow ourselves to be in this position in 10 years’ time.

“We should have a fit and proper persons test for anyone who wants a public sector contract.

“If a Gazprom were to come along, they would go through the machine and say ‘you cannot’ do business.”

Stockport Council confirmed they are in a contract with the Russia energy giant, and says it is examining options to ‘retender’ the deal.

A spokesperson said: “Stockport Council is united in its hope that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine can be resolved and a peaceful solution reached soon. The Council is currently in contract with Gazprom Energy for its supply of gas. Gazprom Energy is a UK company and are still in receipt of a certificate to supply by OFGEM.

“We are seeking clarity from the Government as to what steps we can take as we move forward. We are currently exploring the options open to the Council and will be initiating a retendering exercise for the supply of gas at the earliest opportunity.”

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