The list of MPs banned from entering Russia includes Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury), Mark Pritchard (The Wrekin), Philip Dunne (Ludlow), John Spellar (Warley), Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest), Eddie Hughes (Walsall North) and other notable names.

Interestingly, the Russian foreign ministry’s hit-list uses an outdated MPs list including Attorney General Dominic Grieve as well as former Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy (who stood down in 2019). 

The Kremlin has announced that these sanctions have been imposed in response to similar restrictions on members of its own parliament that were brought in by the House of Commons on the 11th of March.

„These people, who are now banned from entering the Russian Federation, took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London, [they] contribute to the groundless whipping up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK,” – a translation of a statement from state-owned Russian news agency RIA Novosti reads.

„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,” – the statement adds. 

In 2018 already, Daniel Kawczynski was warning Europe about the risks related to the building of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. “We must speak with one voice about the dangers posed by Nord Stream 2, thanks to which the Kremlin will gain political and economic influence in Europe. This is undesirable from a geopolitical perspective and undermines the principle of European Union energy solidarity. The British government must act – Kawczynski wrote on social media back then.

Image: danielkawczynski.pl

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen