The Tories might do well remembering that Russian gas has been scientifically tested to be far more efficient than UK gas. Due to the colder average temperatures that they experience, thermodynamic tests carried out on Gazprom gas shows that it burns a good 50-100 kelvin higher than the BG equivalent.

Prof. Rodney Munch, Northampton,

It is indeed a shame to see how some politicians can twist the truth to serve their own agenda. Gazprom had a perfectly good, legitimate reason to turn of the taps on the Ukranians. No company should be expected to supply free service to any customers or at a price that is not acceptable by the company providing the service. I work for a major fortune 500 company in the USA and we turn off service for non-payment every day. I do not hear any grumbling on that from any samrt politician. It is shameful for the developed country to pick on a developing country company when they display high ambition and practices market economy. A shame indeed. Past colonial skin might be difficult to shed, but at least they should be smart enough to understand that Gazprom has been a reliable provider long before they were walking on this earth. I should stop before I truly express my disgust for such naked aggression towards a Russian company. Let free market work.

Sarwar, San Luis Obispo,

Whilst I am not anti-russian I agree with the fears expressed by opposition MP's in so far as we have already seen what power the Kremlin has over it's controlled gas monopoly Gazprom by how they in effect held the Ukraine to ransom and reduced and even stopped supply. Would Gazprom adopt this stance on the NHS in the event of non payment to contratual terms or if they breached some other convenant?.

Mike , London, UK

Sir
Beats me why Mr. Blaire and Mr. Bush push the wagons of democracy and Human Rights and Equal Speech Rights for all and then when foreign companies of India or Mexico come to buy few pints of little of this and few kgs of little of that, you don’t shout, but when Russia comes, KGB and CIA and FBI come in with SEC to check these with what happened to Enron not to be repeated or burning chips of Dell.. At times I think the politics and economics of UK need a complete overhaul. Leave Americans on one side Sir. You have Beetles and Sir Cliff better earners then the Bollywood
Thank you

Firozali A. Mulla MBA PhD, DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania

If it will save the NHS money which can be redirected towards patient services I do not see the problem providing that there are firm penalties for any break in demand. I think the tories have revealed their ignorance over the workings of the deregulated gas market in the UK, it just shows how unfit for power they are, still.

Johnny, Leeds,

Stephen, how would you propose enforcing financial penalties on the Russian Government? Its not xenophobic to factor in the reliability of a supplier when considering the formation a contract. We wouldn't be having this discussion if the supplier in question was EDF or E.ON, as those companies are governed by EU law.

james, london,

Old story of supply and demand. Gazprom may have the best price but Mr. Putin has shown he cannot be trusted .

John, London, UK

There seem to be some very anti-russian views here. Providing that the contract are cast iron with major financial penalties for breaks in supply, I don't see a problem. We should be treating the russians like any other potential gas supplier not expressing outdated cold war views.

stephen charles, leeds, UK