A SCHOOL in Darlington has been in contact with the town’s MP about concerns about its energy contract with Russian firm Gazprom.

The company has contracts worth millions with public sector organisations in the UK.

However, since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, many have been trying to cut ties with the firm. 

Among them is a Darlington school, which approached the town's MP Peter Gibson about how to step away from its contracts. 

Darlington MP Peter Gibson raised the issue with Nadhim Zahawi, the Secretary of State for Education.

He said the school, which wants to remain anonymous, wanted to “do the right thing” by stepping away from its contracts.

Read more: NHS trusts spent millions with Russian-owned Gazprom

Public sector organisations in the UK spent £107M with Russian-owned Gazprom between 2016 and 2017.

A number of organisations, including NHS trusts, still have contracts with the company, including North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Tyne and Wear Fire Service has also said it will move to a different provider in April. 

Read more: Tyne and Wear fire service cut ties with Russian energy giant Gazprom

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Gibson said: “A school in Darlington is concerned about its energy contract with Gazprom. It wants to do the right thing and step away from contracts with connections to the Russian state.

“Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss the situation, which may affect many other schools across the country?”

In response, Mr Zahawi said: “I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this issue. He will know that Gazprom is no longer on the roster of suppliers to the Government and the Department, but I am very happy to meet him about this particular case.”

Mr Gibson’s office said he was working with the Department for Business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS) on the issue.

Last week, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust said it would not renew its contracts with Gazprom when it ends next year.

However, the trust said it would be too costly to break the contract before then.

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Newcastle Hospitals and Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust were among the NHS organisations in the region to have contracts with the firm. 

Newcastle Hospitals, which spent £14.94 million between 2019 and 2021, ceased using the company in 2021.

TEWV spent £103,032 through contracts with the firm between 2018 and 2020, with the largest annual spend of £51,112 occurred in 2018.

It had already reviewed the contract and will move to a new provider in April.

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