An Ayrshire politician has launched a broadside at Tories in the wake of the Ukraine conflict accusing Conservatives of accepting funds from Russian Oligarchs.
Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown reacted to the “appalling and horrific” Russian invasion of Ukraine as she vowed the Scottish Parliament would stand with the Eastern European nation currently under attack.
The SNP member stated the current situation is the “most critical moment for European security since the Second World War.”
Ms Brown took to social media to share her views on the current crisis just hours after Vladimir Putin announced an invasion and demilitarisation of Ukraine after weeks of tension boiled over.
As airstrikes targeted Ukraine’s main cities and fighting was reported near Chernobyl, Ms Brown claimed Boris Johnson's government has accepted almost £2 million in funds from powerful Russian donors.
In response to the accusations, the Prime Minister has told the House of Commons: "we do not raise money from Russian oligarchs."
Ms Brown’s statement reads: “Considering this appalling and horrific Russian invasion, the Scottish Parliament stands in solidarity with Ukrainians to support their independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy.
“As I have watched events unfold, I realise this represents the most critical moment for European security since the Second World War.
“Scotland is urging the UK Government and international allies to implement the most severe economic sanctions and strategic measures because of Russia’s horrific assault on Ukrainian sovereignty.
"Any complacency in addressing how wealth with direct links to the Putin regime has been allowed to proliferate in the UK must also end.
“We cannot be blind to the circumstances that have led to the current crisis, including the situation where wealth with direct links to the Putin regime has been allowed to proliferate in the UK.
"The issue of Russian funding in the Conservative Party raises serious questions over the influence of anti-democratic Russian oligarchs on British democracy.
Ms Brown’s statement continues: “Deep concern has been raised over the scale of the challenge to uproot Kremlin-linked oligarchs from elite London circles, given the close ties between Russian money and the ruling Conservative Party, the press, and its real estate and financial industry.
“To begin, Tories can give up the money they have received from wealthy Russian donors, which could be as much as £2.3 million since the start of Boris Johnson’s premiership.”
Ms Brown offered her “unqualified support” for "Ukrainian sovereignty, democracy and independence as well as territorial integrity, "whilst condemning Russia’s actions.
She added: “ I stand shoulder to shoulder with the people, Government and Parliament of Ukraine, and Scotland’s Ukrainian community.”
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