‘Ministers should act more quickly against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’ – Voice of the Mirror

‘Ministers should have acted faster against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’

The charge against Roman Abramovich couldn’t be more damning.

According to the State Department, his companies are believed to have provided money and materials to support the Russian attack.

The British government eventually imposed sanctions on the billionaire and six other tycoons. While the move is welcome, ministers should have acted much more quickly against the Chelsea owner.

So far, Britain has punished less than 20 oligarchs since the war began. In contrast, the EU has targeted more than 500 individuals.

Abramovich used his huge fortune to buy himself a respect he didn’t deserve.

Ministers, football governing bodies and fans cannot question where his money goes.

The invasion of Ukraine should not have revealed his relationship with the authoritarian Putin.

Gold of fuel

Sanctions against Russia are not without cost.

Automakers have seen a record-high price of a liter of gasoline after Western nations imposed embargoes on oil exports.

Experts are warning that the average energy bill could reach £3,000 a year this winter.

This squeeze on households will force many families to choose between heat and food.

Not everyone feels oppressed. Shell boss Ben van Beurden enjoyed a £1.1m boost last year, bringing his total pay package to £6.3m.

There is no reason why oil companies should not be subject to the tax collected that would pay for the reduction of VAT on fuel.

However, the Government continues to resist such a move.

By doing so, they are putting great business in front of millions of struggling families.

The top of the top

The heroes of the 1966 World Cup had one more victory. Their red shirts have been named the most iconic outfit of all time.

If you thought the contest was over, it is now.