London laments that the EU is not tightening sanctions against Russia.

vn.sputniknews.com• April 27, 2018 21:21

Britain is unlikely to tighten sanctions against Russia following the US example, as doing so would require reaching an agreement with the entire European Union, The Telegraph reported, citing British Finance Minister Philip Hammond.

The UK's chief economic officer noted that while London is a member of the European Union, it still cannot enjoy the "rare exception" of independent sanctions. Hammond added that one of the difficulties of working in the EU is the need to reach consensus with 28 countries. Such conditions often mean "working with a very small common denominator," he said.

"It would probably be fair to say that within the EU there is a very different level of enthusiasm when it comes to further pressure on this group of people," Hammond said, referring to the Russian businessmen who have been targeted by sanctions.

The Finance Minister did not name specific countries that are blocking London, but British media have suggested that they are Austria, Greece and Italy.

vn.sputniknews.com