The Greater Manchester councils, hospitals and university caught up in Russian deals 'fuelling Vladimir Putin’s war machine'

13.03.2022 - 21:05 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Councils, NHS trusts and a university in Greater Manchester are caught up in Russian deals worth millions of pounds, it has been revealed.

As Russian bombs rain down on Ukraine, and the resulting humanitarian crisis worsens, the UK's links to Russia have come under the spotlight.

Much of the focus in the UK has centred on Vladimir Putin's allies in London, but tough questions are also being asked here in Greater Manchester.

READ MORE: Concerns as Subway worker, 19, with no military experience leaves family to fight in Ukraine

Several organisations across the region are currently tied into contracts with the Russian gas giant Gazprom, prompting scrutiny over how they became entangled in a chain some claim stretches all the way to the Kremlin.

Formed in 1989 during the fall of the Iron Curtain, Gazprom was privatised in 1993, but the Russian government still owns more than half of its shares.

Among major recent contracts won by the company is a £3.6m deal to supply gas and electricity to the University of Manchester. A spokesperson for the university said it was "actively reviewing" the contract and would be looking to cut ties with Gazprom.

Another of the organisations most reliant on the state-owned firm is Stockport Council, which has a three-year deal worth £2.5million.

According to the council's website, it ends this autumn but bosses say they are “seeking clarity from the Government as to what steps we can take as we move forward”, adding that they are “exploring” their options and will begin a retendering exercise “at the earliest opportunity”.

Meanwhile, Salford City Council has a deal with Gazprom worth £1.8m over two years, which is up for renewal in June.

The M.E.N. reported in June 2020 that Salford