Today has been rather interesting as I learned that I have been sanctioned by the Russian Government for taking “the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London” and apparently contributing “to the groundless whipping up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK.”
The statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry goes on to say “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 cooperation."
As a result, I am now banned from entering the Russian Federation.
This is not Russian intelligence’s finest hour as they seem to have worked from a list of MPs from before the 2019 election, as several that they have also sanctioned have now left Parliament and no newly elected MPs were included in the list.
I am pretty sure that the Russian Government has slightly overplayed its hand here though, as I doubt sanctioning me is going to have quite the demoralising effect on the steely determination of the Ukranian people to protect their country from their Russian oppressors that they may think.
This news will certainly not deter me, or other named colleagues, from continuing our unwavering support to our friends in Ukraine