Russian Sanctions Regime

Phil Brickell, the Labour MP for Bolton West, asked the Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Stephen Doughty, whether the Government plans to review the sanctions regime against Russia. Doughty responded that the Government is determined to increase the pressure on Russia and support Ukraine, and that they will keep the Russia sanctions regime under close review, taking further action to reduce Russia's capacity to wage war. He mentioned that the Government has already sanctioned an additional 11 ships as part of efforts to disrupt and deter Russia's shadow fleet, and that he has raised the issue of sanctions consistently with his counterparts, working with the UK's closest allies in Europe and the United States. Brickell followed up, noting that while the UK has sanctioned 2,000 individuals and entities since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been just one instance of UK law enforcement securing sanctioned funds. He asked what discussions the Minister is having with his counterparts across Government to ensure that those who evade sanctions are held to account and that money held unlawfully is secured for the public purse. Doughty acknowledged Brickell's concerns, stating that the Government will not hesitate to take firm action to close loopholes and strengthen the enforcement of sanctions, though he refrained from commenting on future designations or enforcement actions. Sir John Whittingdale, the Conservative MP for Maldon, raised the case of the British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murza, who is detained in Russia, and asked the Minister what further sanctions might be used to pressure the Russian Government to release him and other political prisoners, such as the American journalist Evan Gershkovich. Doughty responded that the Government calls for the release of all those detained in Russia on political grounds, including those imprisoned for their opposition to Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, and that they have met with the families of those concerned and will continue to take the issue very seriously.