Russia has sanctioned a number of Merseyside MPs and hundreds of others across the country for “whipping up of Russophobic hysteria”.
The Russian foreign ministry said on Wednesday it was taking action against 287 members of the House of Commons in response to sanctions against Russian politicians. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov’s department announced the move in response to the UK sanctioning 386 members of the Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament last month over the brutal invasion of Ukraine.
Among those on the list include Bootle MP Peter Dowd, Liverpool Walton MP Dan Carden, Southport MP Damien Moore Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury and Ellesmere Port MP Justin Madders. Liverpool born Tory MP Esther McVey is also on the list.
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A translation of a statement reported by state-owned Russian news agency RIA Novosti said the sanctions were being applied “on the basis of reciprocity”. It read: “These persons, who are now banned from entering the Russian Federation, took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London (and) contribute to the groundless whipping up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK.
“The hostile rhetoric and far-fetched accusations coming from the lips of British parliamentarians not only condone the hostile course of London, aimed at demonising our country and its international isolation, but are also used by opponents of a mutually respectful dialogue with Russia to undermine the foundation of bilateral co-operation.”
Responding to the news, MPs from the region said they were proud to be on the list. Labour MP Mr Dowd said: "If being critical of a brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russia leads to sanctions against me on the orders of Putin, so be it. I wear it as a badge of honour." Mr Madders, responding to the statement, said: "I’m on the list and proud to be so."
Conservative Southport MP Damien Moore said: “I am delighted that, along with 286 colleagues, I have been placed on a Russian sanctions list. I remain appalled by the actions of the Putin regime, and am pleased to see that my opposition to it has been deemed a significant enough threat against Putin to warrant his introducing these personal sanctions against me.
“We have seen before how Putin seeks to silence any voice against him, even in the United Kingdom, but thankfully such tactics will not work in the democratic and free House of Commons. I will continue to stand steadfast in my support of Ukraine and my opposition to Putin.”
Weaver Vale MP Mr Amesbury added: “I stand with Ukraine. This is Putin’s war, Putin is the aggressor. He has invaded a sovereign nation and we have seen the horrors inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Putin needs to withdraw. I also stand with those in Russia who are bravely opposing the war. Governments, including our own, need to step up sanctions against the Putin regime.”
