Markus Andrews

Boris Johnson has promised to publish a full list of people and organisations associated with Russian president Vladimir Putin’s regime, with aides saying that Britons should “think carefully” before dealing with them.There were no immediate details of who will feature on the list of “Putin’s pals”, but Downing Street indicated that it will extend well beyond the eight oligarchs and 100-plus companies already sanctioned by the UK in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.Mr Johnson’s official spokesperson said that sanctions will not necessarily be applied to all those featuring, whose names would be published “in the interest of transparency”.The PM made his announcement as he came under pressure in the House of Commons over the government’s failure to clamp down on the network of London lawyers and lobbyists believed to be helping associates of Putin protect investments in the UK.He told MPs at prime minister’s questions in the Commons: “We will publish… a full list of all those associated with the Putin regime.”The PM’s spokesperson later said that Mr Johnson wanted to highlight “individuals who are benefiting from the Putin regime”.He was unable to confirm that all those named would face sanctions such as travel bans and asset freezes.But he told reporters: “I think you would expect that a significant proportion would end up on our sanctions regime or indeed sanctions that we’re coordinating with the EU and US.”Asked whether Mr Johnson expected UK individuals and companies to stop doing business with those named on the list, the PM’s spokesperson replied: “Well, it may well have that effect.“I think what we are trying to do across the board – whether it’s businesses, oligarchs, or in the cultural sector as well – is to is to make clear that, even when we’re not taking legislative action, people should think very carefully about how they engage with any organisations that may be assisting Putin, even inadvertently, in the attack and invasion of Ukraine.” More

Boris Johnson has rejected a call to donate £2 million handed to the Tory party by a Russian banker to Ukraine humanitarian causes.At prime minister’s questions Mr Johnson was asked by Labour MP Bill Esterson whether he would hand over the £2 million – the most recent £80,000 of which was revealed just today. But the prime minister appeared to reject the call, telling MPs the UK’s quarrel with Vladimir Putin was “not about the Russian people”.Lubov Chernukhin – wife of a former minister in Vladimir Putin’s government – handed the Tories the cash as recently as the final months of 2021, according to the Electoral Commission’s figures.The dual national former banker had become one of the most prominent Russia-linked figures in politics due to her large donations to the Conservative party.It was previously revealed that Ms Chernukhin’s husband Vladimir Chernukhin received millions of pounds from a Russian MP and ally of Vladimir Putin who appears on the US sanctions list.Speaking on Wednesday Mr Esterson asked: “Will the Prime Minister instruct the Conservative Party to give to Ukrainian humanitarian causes the £2 million Lubov Chernukhin. This includes £80,000 referred to in data released today by the Electoral Commission.”I know he doesn’t want to tar everyone with Russian links with the same brush and neither do I. “But leaked documents show that Vladimir Chernukhin received $8 million from a Russian Member of Parliament, an ally of Putin, who was later sanctioned by the United States. “Mr Speaker, this is an opportunity for the Conservative Party and for the Prime Minister, to end the suspicion of conflicts of interest with Putin while showing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.”But Mr Johnson rebuffed the suggestion, telling the MP “It is absolutely vital, if we are to have a successful outcome in what we are trying to do, collectively united with Ukraine, that we demonstrate that this is not about the Russian people. This is about the Putin regime.”In response to a later question the prime minister said: “I do hope that those who have any links with the Putin regime, whatever, any so-called Oligarchs, all those that are in any way associated with the regime, take this opportunity as some brave individuals already have, to disassociate themselves from this barbaric invasion.Boris Johnson’s press secretary was asked whether the Tories would return any money if a party donor appeared on the sanctions list. She called it a “hypothetical question” and said there were checks in place on donations made to UK political parties.Foreign Office minister James Cleverly recently defended donations by Ms Chernukhin, saying: “She has every right to donate to us or any other political party.”The senior Tory told LBC all Conservative donors “are registered, are legitimate” and suggested Russia-linked donors “support our aims or objectives.”Asked on BBC Breakfast if she was embarrassed to have attended a diner with Ms Chernukhin, foreign secretary Liz Truss replied: “No I am not.” More

A Plaid Cymru MP has likened Vladimir Putin’s claim of a right to rule Ukraine to England’s treatment of Wales, triggering strong criticism.Hywel Williams, the Welsh nationalists’ defence spokesman, claimed there is “a particular menace” for Wales in the Russian president denying Ukraine is a country in its own right.“For is in Wales there is a particular menace in Vladimir Putin’s words,” he wrote in a newspaper column.“Ukraine is not a real country he says. It does not have a right to exist. It is he, far away in Moscow, who has the right to rule. We in Wales are familiar with these arguments.”But Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, hit out at the comments, saying: “Wales is a willing and democratic part of the United Kingdom.“Ukrainians are being murdered in a dictator’s invasion. To draw any comparison is at best insensitive and, at worst, minimises what Ukrainians are going through.”Mr Williams, MP for Arfon – formerly Caernarfon – since 2001, made his comments in a column hailing “the generosity shown by the people of north Wales” towards UkraineUp to 300 people attended a rally in his constituency demanding “an end to the war” and “freedom for the people of Ukraine”, he wrote.Plaid Cymru champions independence for Wales, as well as the use of the Welsh language, which has enjoyed an extraordinary surge in support in recent years.A break-up used to be backed by just 3 per cent of the population – reflecting the language for the English-speaking majority in Wales – but support has hit nearly 40 per cent recently.However, Labour has remained its firm grip on the 60-seat Senedd, the Welsh Parliament in Cardiff, which is has controlled since devolution was born in the late 1990s.Mark Drakeford, the Labour leader, has pushed for greater devolved powers, which is seen as having kept greater support for the independence movement at bay. More

A promised crackdown on Russian ‘dirty money’ in London will be delayed for 18 months, triggering criticism that Boris Johnson is dragging his heels.Keir Starmer pointed out that a register of the real foreign owners of property will not come into force until autumn 2023 at the earliest – “far too long for the Ukrainian people”.“Why are we giving Putin’s cronies 18 months to quietly launder their money out of the UK property market and into another safe haven,” he demanded to know.The Labour leader also criticised the government for failing to sanction Russian oligarchs with UK interests quickly – alleging that, despite the government’s rhetoric, it has fallen behind the EU.He pointed to the example of a former Russian deputy prime minister, Igor Shuvalov, who owns two flats worth £11m just yards from parliament and has been sanctioned by the EU – but not by the UK.Sir Keir said he was “ashamed” that shell companies behind Russian ownership of UK assets are only known because of the bravery of the jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny.He also demanded to know why the Russian-Israeli owner of Chelsea football club, Roman Abramovich, has not yet been sanctioned.“We must stand up to Putin and those who prop up his regime,” he told Mr Johnson at prime minister’s questions.“Roman Abramovich is the owner of Chelsea Football Club and various other high-value assets in the United Kingdom. He’s a person of interest to the Home Office because of his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices.“Last week, the prime minister said Abramovich is facing sanctions. He later corrected the record to say that he isn’t. Well, why on earth isn’t he?”In response, Mr Johnson said it was not “appropriate” for him to comment on individual cases, but insisted the actions taken by the UK are already “having an effect in Moscow”.“By exposing the ownership of properties, of companies in the way that we are, by sanctioning 275 individuals already – a further 100 last week –the impact is being felt, he told MPs.The prime minister added: “What we will publish in addition, is a full list of all those associated with the Putin regime.”And he said: “I think the House should be proud of what we have done already. And I can tell him that there is more to be done.”However, many Tory MPs share Labour’s concern that action is too slow – after the Foreign Office said it is inhibited by letters from expensive lawyers challenging on behalf of their Russian-born clients.Mr Abramovich is reported to be planning to sell his 15-bedroom mansion in west London, bought for £90m in 2009, allegedly in an attempt to escape sanctions. More

Boris Johnson has promised Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky that he will rally the international community to deliver “the strongest possible condemnation” of Russia at a meeting of the United Nations in New York today.The pair spoke by phone early on Wednesday as Russia continued to threaten capital Kyiv with a 40-mile convoy of armoured vehicles and artillery, and bombarded civilian areas of cities including Kharkiv.The call followed claims by Ukrainian officials that they had thwarted a bid by Chechen special forces to assassinate Zelensky.Mr Zelensky thanked the prime minister for the UK’s donation of defensive military equipment, including NLAW anti-tank weapons, which he said had proved “vital” in holding back Vladimir Putin’s invasion force.The resolution before the UN General Assembly vigorously deplores Russia’s invasion and demands the immediate withdrawal of troops.Although the vote is non-binding, it will deliver a very public indication of the scale of isolation facing Putin in the wake of his unprovoked aggression.Nations from around the world queued up to condemn Russia in debate on Tuesday, with only a handful – including  Cuba and North Korea – speaking in defence of Putin.The resolution has 94 co-sponsors, all but ensuring it will meet the two-thirds majority needed to pass. But all eyes will be on the votes of China and India, which abstained on a similar motion in the Security Council.The prime minister told Mr Zelensky the UK was “rallying UN General Assembly members today to ensure the strongest possible condemnation of Russia”, said Downing Street.“Sharing his disgust at the attacks on Ukraine, the prime minister said the UK was doing everything possible to support the Ukrainian people and their resistance,” a spokesperson added.“President Zelensky thanked the prime minister for the UK’s support and leadership in ensuring defensive aid reached Ukraine and said it had been vital in holding back Russian forces.“Both leaders agreed on the need for sanctions to go further to exert maximum pressure on President Putin in the coming days.“The prime minister said his thoughts and prayers, and those of the UK, were with the Ukrainian people.”In a message on Twitter following the call, Mr Zelensky said: “Coordinated actions with UK Prime minister Boris Johnson.“Reported on the course of Ukrainian defence and the latest crimes of Russia against the civilian population.“We are grateful for UK continued significant assistance in combating aggression. Together with partners we defend Ukraine.”- The Independent is raising money for the people of Ukraine – if you would like to donate then please click here for our GoFundMe page. More

Conservative donations rose to £4.9m at the end of last year, new figures show, as the party comes under huge pressure to hand back money from Russia-linked supporters.Electoral Commission figures show Boris Johnson’s party continues to accept money from Lubov Chernukhin – wife of a former minister in Vladimir Putin’s government.Ms Chernukhin gave another £80,000 in donations in the final months of 2021, sums reported to the electoral watchdog by the Tories in February.The British citizen has donated more than £2m to the Conservative HQ, local Tory parties and Tory MPs over the past eight years, as well as paying to play tennis with Mr Johnson at a fundraising auction.Labour MP Bill Esterson asked Mr Johnson at PMQs on Wednesday whether he would ask the Tory party to give Ms Chernukhin’s donations to “Ukrainian humanitarian causes”.Dismissing the request, the prime minister said: “It’s absolutely vital that if we are to have a successful outcome in what we are trying doing … that we demonstrate that this is not about the Russia people – this is about the Putin regime.”Foreign Office minister James Cleverly recently defended donations by Ms Chernukhin, saying: “She has every right to donate to us or any other political party.”The senior figure told LBC all Tory donors “are registered, are legitimate” and suggested Russia-linked donors “support our aims or objectives.”Asked on BBC Breakfast if she was embarrassed to have attended a diner with Ms Chernukhin, foreign secretary Liz Truss replied: “No I am not.”Labour has called on the Tories to hand back Russia-linked donations, estimating that almost £1.9m has been given by such individuals either to the party HQ or Tory MPs since Mr Johnson entered No 10.The latest Electoral Commission figures show £4.9m was donated to the Tories in the final quarter of last year, a marked increase from the £3.7m received by the party in the previous quarter.Liz Truss ‘not embarrassed’ by photo with Russia-linked Tory donorLabour has warned ministers that the government was “taking too long” to bring in sanctions against Russian oligarchs.Chris Bryant MP suggested in the Commons that Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich was “terrified” of facing such measures – and claimed the billionaire was considering selling his home in London.Sir Keir Starmer also used PMQs on Wednesday to demand to know why Mr Abramovich has not yet been sanctioned.The Labour leader also pointed out that a register of the real foreign owners of property will not come into force until autumn 2023 at the earliest – “far too long for the Ukrainian people”.Speaking at PMQs, Tory MP Bob Seely claimed UK lawyers were working on behalf of Russian oligarchs – accusing them of putting pressure on British media organisations.Mr Johnson replied: “The legal profession – everybody involved in assisting those who wish to hide money, assisting corrupt oligarchs – have been set on notice that their actions are under scrutiny.” Ms Truss told MPs last week that British government moves to sanction Russian oligarchs was being slowed down by law firms based in London.Officials have to draw up detailed cases for action against each individual and business, with the aim of making the justification watertight in the case of a court challenge.In a possible hint that the government could still go further in terms of individual sanctions, Mr Johnson said the silence of Russian oligarchs who had investments in the UK over the Ukraine invasion was “inexplicable”.The prime minister pressed them to “denounce this act of aggression”. More

The underrepresentation of women and minority groups in parliament must be tackled, MPs have warned.A report, carried out by the Women and Equalities Committee, said the government must introduce measures to ensure a “generation of women in politics” is not lost.The study found a meagre 6 per cent of all 650 MPs sitting in the House of Commons are women from minority ethnic backgrounds. Meanwhile, only around a third of all MPs are women – with researchers noting this is a smaller proportion of female MPs than comparable European nations.Caroline Nokes, who is chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, noted the job of MPs is ultimately to represent their constituents, adding that racial and gender inequalities mean “at present, we simply don’t”.The MP for Romsey and Southampton North added: “It is within our power to improve this. Part of encouraging women into any profession is making that workspace inclusive. “Women are disproportionately carers in society; catering to the needs of parents and other caregivers is an easy win for the House of Commons and a journey upon which they have already embarked. But they must go further and faster.“The most glaring problem is the shocking abuse and misogyny which all women in politics, and especially minority ethnic women, suffer. This must not become an accepted part of the job. Viscous abuse, including rape and death threats, is totally unacceptable.”Ms Nokes called for measures to be rolled out to safeguard female MPs and political candidates, warning women could be put off pursuing political careers if this issue is not addressed.The report argues “vicious misogynistic abuse must not be accepted as an inevitable fact of a woman’s life in politics,” and draws attention to the fact harassment leads to the “poorer retention rate of female MPs” in comparison to male politicians.Cross-party MPs involved in the report urged the government to introduce section 106 of the Equality Act 2010, which would force respective political parties to reveal the ethnic and gender diversity of parliamentary candidates. Ministers were also asked to use the Online Safety Bill to bolster “sanctions” against individuals who threaten or abuse female politicians on social media.It comes after a recent study found about seven in 10 women say they would not become a politician because of fears of facing abuse or harassment in the role.The research conducted by the Fawcett Society, a leading gender equality charity, discovered almost six in 10 women think sexism in local politics is a barrier to pursuing a political career.Seven in 10 said problems juggling work as an MP or councillor with other responsibilities in their lives would be an obstacle, and six in 10 said a lack of confidence to offer themselves up held them back. More

Sir Keir Starmer has told Ukrainians living in Britain that he will speak to the government over their pleas to support a no-fly zone over the nation.The Labour leader was urged to back the enforcement of the zone after Russian planes dropped bombs on the city of Kharkiv on Tuesday.Prime minister Boris Johnson has rejected the calls, echoed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, and warned that it would trigger a wider war with Russia.Labour does not support a no-fly zone either, because of the risks of provoking a clash between Russia and Nato, but Sir Keir said he would pass on the concerns expressed to him. More