UK must lead UN Security Council call for nuclear power plant military exclusion zones

 

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called on the UK Government to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council, with the aim of declaring a military exclusion zone around nuclear power plants.   It follows the shelling overnight of Zaporizhzhia power plant by Russian forces.    Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:   “People all across Europe - including in Russia - will have woken up today with fear in their hearts, following the reckless shelling of Zaporizhzhia power plant. While thankfully it looks like disaster has been averted, it is vital that we now use every diplomatic lever available to prevent any further strikes on nuclear facilities.    “We simply cannot allow what is already a dire humanitarian tragedy to deteriorate in this manner.   “The UK has a seat at the UN Security Council - we must use it today, to try and declare a military exclusion zone around nuclear power plants.”

Parliament must sit over weekend if necessary to sanction oligarchs

Responding to reports that Ministers are planning emergency legislation to accelerate sanctions against oligarchs, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran MP said: "We’ve had weeks to get our house in order so we could take action against Putin’s cronies. Now, while oligarchs begin their asset fire sale, it turns out the Government is unable to sanction them.  "New legislation must be brought forward immediately - with an emergency session of Parliament over the weekend if necessary. We do not have a second to lose.”  Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP said:    "Liz Truss has told us for weeks that Putin's cronies would have 'nowhere to hide' from the UK's sanctions. It is deeply worrying to hear that her department is potentially incapable of applying sanctions to Kremlin-linked oligarchs.    “Our allies have been able to - we have no excuse. We're letting Putin's cronies get away with it once again."

Seize oligarch mansions to house Ukrainian refugees

The Liberal Democrats have demanded that the Government seize mansions and houses belonging to oligarchs linked to Putin’s regime, and use them to help house Ukrainian refugees.

In a letter to the Home Secretary, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said UK properties owned by Putin’s cronies should be used to house Ukrainian refugees temporarily while they await permanent resettlement.

 

He added this could prevent the situation faced by Afghan refugees last year, many of whom were left languishing for months in hotel rooms or military barracks while they awaited permanent accommodation.

 

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to establish a fast, safe route for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK. The party is also demanding that local councils should receive a five-year funding package for every Ukrainian refugee they resettle.

 

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:

 

“For too long Putin’s cronies have treated London as their playground, buying up luxury properties as a way to launder their dirty money.

 

“Much of this property is currently sitting empty, while Ukrainian families are desperately fleeing their homeland looking for a safe place to live.

 

“It’s time to freeze these assets and put them to good use, by temporarily housing Ukrainian refugees escaping this terrible war.

 

“The Government needs to learn the lessons from the botched Afghan resettlement scheme that saw families left languishing in crowded hotel rooms for months before being rehomed.”

 

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Freeports: government leaves door 'wide open' for Putin's cronies

Responding to the Conservatives voting down a Liberal Democrat amendment to the National Insurance Bill that would have created a public register of beneficial ownership for businesses in UK freeports, Liberal Democrat Trade Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “Tonight the Conservatives have chosen to leave the back door wide open for Putin’s cronies to keep stashing their ill-gotten wealth on UK soil. “It’s hugely disappointing to see the Government have the chance to end the era of Russian interference in the UK for good, but fail to act. There is now a real risk that Kremlin-linked oligarchs and other economic criminals will be able to hide their cash in our new freeports with next to no scrutiny. “We cannot allow freeports to become hubs for money-laundering and illicit trade. The Government must finally open its eyes to these risks and use its upcoming Economic Crime Bills to address them.”

Rail fares rise: Hard to stomach during cost-of-living crisis

 

Responding to a rail fare increase of 3.8% today, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “The annual Government-approved hike in rail fares hasn’t been justifiable for years, but this one will be particularly hard to stomach for families feeling the pinch of the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. “The value for money people are getting from this increase is next to nought. It beggars belief that railgoers should have to fork out more to travel when timetables are still in flux. Meanwhile, passenger numbers have not recovered to pre-Covid levels and this contempt for commuters risks driving them away from our railways. “If this Government had even a shred of decency they would freeze rail fares for the next five years, to throw families some much needed financial respite and help get people back on track.”

Ukrainian refugees deserve far better than spin and confusion from government

Responding to the Government's announcement on additional Ukrainian refugees being offered refuge in the UK, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “People across the UK are urging the Government to stand with Ukrainians and offer them sanctuary. Yet all Priti Patel has done is repeat the Prime Minister’s vague and very limited earlier announcement. “Ukrainians are fleeing for their lives. They deserve far better than just more spin and confusion from our Government. “The Home Secretary should come back to Parliament urgently to announce a full refugee scheme to resettle Ukrainians in the UK. She should also withdraw her Anti-Refugee Bill that would criminalise Ukrainians and other refugees who come here seeking asylum. “Our country has a proud history of offering sanctuary to people in need. The Government must not abandon Ukrainians in their hour of need.”

Orkney 1 - Putin 0

Responding to the news that a Russian-owned tanker will no longer be docking at an Orkney oil terminal, Liberal Democrat Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael said: "This is a victory for the people of Orkney who were prepared to step in and block the docking of a Russian oil tanker here if necessary. "Our community has stood firm with the people of Ukraine and forced major oil companies to act to stop more money flowing to Putin's bloodthirsty regime. "Grant Shapps must now ensure the Government's proposed ban on Russian ships docking in the UK is made enforceable and water tight. "There is no time to waste in stopping Putin's regime earning money by sending their ships to UK ports."

Misogyny vote: Conservatives turning a blind eye to anti-women hatred

The Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government for rejecting a law that would make misogyny a hate crime.   Today, Conservative MPs voted against the law, which had been passed by the House of Lords last month. The vote comes days after a man pleaded guilty to the murder of Sabina Nessa and just days before the anniversary of the murder of Sarah Everard.   Cross-party peers had added a clause to the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill to make crimes motivated by hatred of women aggravated offences, so they are treated as seriously as crimes motivated by racial or religious hatred. Liberal Democrat MPs voted to keep the amendment, which now returns to the House of Lords.   Wera Hobhouse MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Justice and Women & Equalities, said:   “Violence by men against women and girls is far too prevalent in our society. Too many women feel unsafe walking down their own streets.   “By voting against making misogyny a hate crime, the Conservatives are turning a blind eye to the hatred that fuels violence against women.   “We must make clear in law that these toxic attitudes are unacceptable in our society, to help stamp out the abuse women face.   “No woman should be the victim of these awful crimes. And no girl should grow up in fear of them either.”

We’ll keep fighting to stop Patel’s Protest Crackdown Laws

Responding to the votes on the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill today, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:   “The Conservatives have struck another blow against our fundamental democratic rights, but the fight isn’t over.   “Priti Patel’s Protest Crackdown Laws are dangerous and draconian. They are part of the Conservative Government’s attempts to silence any opposition to its policies.   “Liberal Democrats will keep fighting to stop these anti-democratic laws when the Bill returns to the House of Lords.”

Lib Dems to vote against Patel’s Protest Crackdown Laws

Liberal Democrat MPs will today vote against the Government’s attempts to reintroduce draconian laws cracking down on the right to protest. Two key laws were removed from the Government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill through Liberal Democrat amendments in the House of Lords last month. They would create new powers to impose restrictions on public assemblies and one-person protests. Liberal Democrats also supported cross-party amendments to remove the power to ban protests that are “too noisy”. The Government has tabled motions to overturn those Lords amendments, which the House of Commons will debate today. Ahead of the votes, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Priti Patel’s Protest Crackdown Laws are dangerous and draconian. The fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest has always been a crucial part of our democratic society. “These new laws are part of the Conservative Government’s anti-democratic attempts to silence any opposition to its policies. Liberal Democrats are fiercely resisting them. “I am proud of the work Liberal Democrats and others have done in the House of Lords to take out the worst parts of this Bill. Today we will fight to prevent the Government adding them back in, and I hope MPs from all parties will join us.”

Economic Crime Bill is long overdue

 

Responding to the confirmation that the Government will be bringing forward the long-awaited Economic Crime Bill on Tuesday, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran MP said: "This announcement is long overdue. It shouldn't have taken a war in Ukraine for action to prevent dirty Russian money flooding into our country and corrupting our politics. "These new measures must be fast tracked though parliament and used in full, to crack down on Putin's cronies by seizing and freezing their assets. "The cash collected through this oligarchs tax should then be used to help people cope with their soaring energy bills. "We also need the review of everyone who came here on Golden Visas published in full, with individuals linked to Putin's regime being shown the door."

BP pull out: Other companies must follow suit

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision of BP to offload their almost 20% stake in Russian state-owned oil firm Rosneft in the wake of Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Reacting to the news Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey, who called for this to happen in Parliament on Thursday, said: “I welcome BP’s decision to pull out of Rosneft because of Putin’s horrifying war in Ukraine. We now need all other British companies to follow suit, with immediate effect, and the Government to step up with stronger sanctions. “The world must isolate Russia like the rogue state it is, and the UK must stand firm in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The only way sanctions work is if every organisations and all governments are willing to shoulder responsibility and take tough decisions.”

Kevin Foster Ukrainian visa comments "completely wrong"

Responding to Home Office Minister Kevin Foster tweeting that Ukrainians seeking to flee the ongoing conflict should apply for the seasonal worker visa, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Ukrainians are queuing for miles to escape Putin’s war machine. For the Home Office to tell them to apply for visas as if they are looking for work or going on a gap year is completely wrong. "We should stand with all Ukrainians, not only those prepared to pick kale and cabbage. “The UK must help lead a coordinated humanitarian response, including a simple, fast scheme to resettle Ukrainian refugees in the UK. “Our country has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution. We must not turn our backs on Ukrainians in their hour of need.”

Russian oil tanker in Orkney: Boris Johnson must intervene

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson and MP for Orkney and Shetland Alistair Carmichael has written to Boris Johnson urging him to sanction and deny Russian-owned vessels access to UK ports following Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine. In his letter, Mr Carmichael highlighted his previous exchange with Mr Johnson in Parliament in which the Prime Minister indicated that new measures meant the government could sanction Russian-owned companies like Sovcomflot, one of the largest petroleum shipping companies in the world. One Sovcomflot vessel (NS Challenger) has already departed from Sullom Voe terminal in Shetland with a second, the NS Champion, due to arrive at Flotta terminal in Orkney on Tuesday. Currently such vessels operate freely and cannot legally be denied access to ports by local authorities. Mr Carmichael also highlighted that during the Second World War the Royal Navy flagship, the Royal Oak, was sunk in the Scapa Flow by a German U-boat with 835 crew members losing their lives. He warned that allowing open access to Sovcomflot would “dishonour the memory of the sacrifice that the crew of the Royal Oak made in their fight against fascism” and called for action immediately.  Commenting Alistair Carmichael MP said: "With the conflict in Ukraine still raging, it's vital that all countries step up their sanctions against Putin and his cronies. “Companies like Sovcomflot are owned by the Russian Government, so the money they make goes straight back to the Kremlin and helps fund Vladimir Putin’s war machine. “It’s unthinkable that our sanctions do not extend to companies operating in our ports, allowing money to still make its way back to Moscow. Boris Johnson says he has the power to stop this, so now he has to use it.  "We must stand with the Ukrainian people, who are bravely resisting the invasion of their homeland, and ensure no Russian ships cannot use UK ports to fund Putin’s war.”

UK must step up with humanitarian response to stop Putin destabilising Europe

 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the UK to lead a coordinated humanitarian response to Putin’s war in Ukraine, with safe passage and support for Ukrainian refugees fleeing violence and persecution at the hands of Russian forces. The party’s MPs have written to the Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary, urging them to work with humanitarian agencies and Ukraine’s neighbours to provide accommodation and support to the people now fleeing Russian troops, who are now advancing on the capital of Kyiv. It comes in the wake of the news that visa applications from those Ukrainian nationals without close British relatives and who are stuck in the country are suspended, meaning no legal route exists for them to enter the UK and claim asylum. The letter calls for “an ambitious commitment to resettle Ukrainian refugees in the UK”, and urges the Government to withdraw its Nationality and Borders Bill – currently going through Parliament – because it would criminalise Ukrainians and other refugees who come to the UK seeking asylum. This is a sentiment shared by a number of leading charities such as Amnesty International and Save The Children in a letter to The Times today. The Liberal Democrats are warning Ministers not to repeat the mistakes of the Government’s scheme for Afghan refugees, which still sees many families trapped in small hotel rooms, waiting to be properly resettled and without the settled immigration status the Government promised. The letter calls for “a full five-year funding package for each and every person a council resettles”. Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, said: “A terrible human tragedy is unfolding before our eyes, as a result of Putin’s maniacal aggression. “We are already seeing queues of people desperate to get out before it is too late, especially LGBT+ people, journalists and activists who fear persecution at the hands of Russian forces. “As well as the strongest possible sanctions on Putin and his cronies, this crisis demands a coordinated humanitarian response. Anything less would play right into Putin’s hands by destabilising our continent even further. “The UK has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those forced to flee war and persecution. We must not turn our backs on the people of Ukraine in their hour of need.”

Absence of Gazprom and Rosneft from sanctions list is "elephant in the room"

Responding to the additional sanctions on Russian companies and individuals announced today by Boris Johnson, Liberal Democrat Leader and former Energy Secretary Ed Davey said: "The absence of Gazprom and Rosneft, part-owned by BP, in today’s sanctions list is the elephant in the room. The UK must do everything we can to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. "Russia’s state-owned oil and gas giants stand to profit from this war and soaring prices. We must start treating Putin’s Russia like the rogue state it is and immediately cut off UK investment in these firms."

Government announcement on settlement fees ‘leaves out too many Armed Forces personnel’

Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Jamie Stone MP has welcomed the Government’s announcement that settlement fees will be waived for foreign nationals who have served in the UK Armed Forces for at least six years, but says it will still leave many service personnel facing “excessive fees”.   The Liberal Democrats have been campaigning for several years for these fees to be waived for members of the Armed Forces and their families. In 2019, Jamie Stone and party leader Ed Davey MP tabled a Private Members’ Bill to force the government to do so, as well as a parliamentary motion that secured wide cross-party support.   Jamie Stone MP, Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson said:   “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude and respect to all those who serve our country and keep us safe. The fact that so many brave veterans are forced to take out huge debts or denied their right to live in the UK because of excessive Home Office fees is a scandal, and I am glad we have finally forced the Government to act.   “However, limiting the waiver only to those who have served six years or more will leave many veterans still facing thousands of pounds in fees. I urge Ministers to go further, and waive them for all those with the right to settle in the UK.   “Anyone who has put their lives at risk to defend our country should be free to live in it.”

NFU criticism: Conservatives don't understand our farmers

Responding to the President of the National Farmers' Union Minette Batters criticising the UK Government’s farming policy as "completely contradictory" at their national conference, Liberal Democrat Food & Rural Affairs Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said: "The comments from the NFU today prove what we already know - the Conservatives don't understand our farmers' needs and they're failing the farming industry. "On one hand they're signing trade deals that are deeply damaging, undermining British food standards and undercutting British farmers, while on the other hand they're cutting the vital support they need by phasing out Basic Payments before the new payments scheme is ready. "Farmers are key allies in the fight against climate change, but the Conservatives risk losing hundreds of farmers who will simply go bust if they continue along this path. Liberal Democrats back British farmers and would provide much needed support to the sector."

Vagrancy Act to be repealed: Archaic and cruel law consigned to history

In reaction to the news that the Vagrancy Act will be repealed, long time campaigner against the Act, Layla Moran MP said: “After years of campaigning I am elated that we consigned this archaic and cruel law to history. No one should be criminalised for sleeping rough, especially by a piece of legislation passed in the Georgian era.  “This is testament to the hard work of so many people: the students who first brought the issue to my attention, and to our campaign partners Crisis.   “This can transform the way we talk about rough sleeping and homelessness in this country, from criminalisation to compassion.   “While we can celebrate today, tomorrow we return to the hard work of holding the government to account on their manifesto commitment to ending rough sleeping by the end of this Parliament."

Ed Davey on Ukraine: Freeze and seize assets of all Putin’s cronies in UK

 

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has today called on the government to freeze and begin seizing the assets of Putin's cronies in the UK, as part of a tough package of measures responding to Russia sending troops into Ukraine. It comes after Boris Johnson announced the government would be sanctioning just three Russian high net-worth individuals, falling way short of the number believed to be allied with Putin and holding assets in the UK.   Ed Davey has also backed a boycott of international sporting and cultural events hosted in Russia, starting with moving this year’s Champions League final from St Petersburg. The Liberal Democrats have written to the government asking them to prepare Wembley in the event of the final being moved.  Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said: “The government’s initial sanctions list doesn’t go anywhere near far enough. It only targets three individuals while leaving many of Putin’s cronies off the hook.  “It’s time to use the full force of sanctions powers at our disposal and start treating Putin’s Russia like the rogue state it is. That should start with action to freeze and seize the assets of every single one of Putin’s cronies in the UK - and then expelling those oligarchs from this country. “We should also make clear we will no longer tolerate international sporting or cultural events hosted in Russia, starting with this year’s Champions League final which must be moved from St Petersburg.  “Boris Johnson must recognise the existential threat posed by Putin to our NATO allies, by immediately cancelling his government’s misguided decision to cut our armed forces by 10,000 troops. “For too long, this government has turned a blind eye to Putin’s oligarch friends who have treated this country as their playground. Putin has made a terrible decision, we must ensure he pays a terrible price.”

Revoking golden visas: Priti Patel must stop London being used as “Putin’s playground"

The Liberal Democrats have written to Home Secretary Priti Patel urging her to set out a clear action plan and timetable to revoke golden visas and stop London being treated as “Putin’s playground.”    It comes after Security Minister Damian Hinds told Times Radio this morning that "there are routes to revoke” existing visas if circumstances called for it.   2,581 investor visas have been granted to Russian citizens through the controversial golden visas scheme since it was introduced in 2008. It’s previously been reported that almost half of the visas granted through the scheme have been reviewed for potential risks to national security.   Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran, who wrote the letter to the Home Secretary, said:   “Priti Patel must set out a clear action plan and timetable to revoke golden visas handed out to Russian nationals who pose a potential security risk. Now is the time to send a strong signal that London can no longer be treated as Putin’s playground.    “We need to hit Putin’s regime where it hurts, and that means stopping his oligarch friends using our country as a place to launder their cash and buy up luxury property.   “For years, ministers have dragged their heels and failed to act. Putin’s aggression against Ukraine should be a wake-up call to finally end the pervasive influence of dirty Russian money on our country."

 

COBRA Storm meeting: Government never learns from mistakes

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to bring forward a package of support for communities affected by storms in the UK. It comes as both Storm Dudley and Eunice are barraging places with strong winds and harsh weather. Like Storm Arwen that ravaged homes in November 2021, thousands are set to be left without power, with railways and transport links also taking serious damage.  The Lib Dems are calling for ministers to step in and provide food, emergency accommodation and other essential supplies to vulnerable people on the ground impacted by the storms.  The party is also urging support to be brought in to provide emergency electricity generators to communities until power is restored, and for the government to provide additional support to engineers working hard to bring back power as soon as possible. In response to the news that a COBRA meeting was called this morning, Liberal Democrat Communities Spokesperson Tim Farron MP said:   “Whenever a storm hits, the Government is disgracefully unprepared to support the thousands of people affected. They never learn from their mistakes. This time, as people up and down the country are barraged by stormy weather, the Government must be on hand to provide support.  “The COBRA meeting must agree on an emergency support plan including providing food, emergency accommodation and electricity generators for those affected by any power cuts. “People across the United Kingdom are fed up with being taken for granted and left without proper support when things go wrong. With extreme weather more frequent, the Conservatives cannot ignore the crisis sweeping the nation.”

Prison expansions: Cost of Conservatives' failure on crime

Responding to the Government's announcement of plans to create 4,000 more prison spaces, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “This is the cost of the Conservatives’ failure on crime. The UK already has more people in prison than any other country in Western Europe, and now the Government is spending an extra £4 billion because crime is rising. “These new places won’t even do anything to reduce the huge overcrowding in prisons, because of the rising prison population. Only by ending overcrowding can we rehabilitate prisoners properly and break the cycle of reoffending. “Just building more prison cells won’t do anything to make our communities safer. Instead of trying to sound tough, Ministers should focus on restoring effective community policing where officers are visible, trusted and focused on cutting crime.”

Kick out Putin’s golden visa cronies, say Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrats have said Putin’s cronies who have previously been granted golden visas should have them revoked and be kicked out of the country.    It comes after the Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed today the golden visas scheme will be scrapped and that a Home Office review on the issue that ministers have been sitting on since 2018 will be published “in due course.”   The review examines those golden visas which were issued between 2008 and April 2015, and is reportedly reviewing more than 6,000 golden visas for national security risks - over half of all those issued during this period.   The Liberal Democrats have said the review must be published immediately and that all visas held by individuals flagged as a national security risk should be cancelled with immediate effect, with a wider review into those who came here on these visas but now have claimed UK citizenship.   Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran MP said:   “Shutting the door to Putin’s cronies is not enough - too many of them have already walked through it with virtually no questions asked.   “The Government must immediately publish the long overdue report into those who currently hold and came here on these visas. It’s time to kick out associates of the Kremlin who have used golden visas to launder their dirty money, and reputations, in our country.   “Over the last six months, the Government has repeatedly said that this review is being ‘finalised’ but even now won’t give a clear timeline for when it will be published.   “It makes a mockery of their promises to stand up to Putin’s aggression, when they are doing nothing to stop his cronies who are right now stashing their dirty money on our shores and claiming UK citizenship.”

Businesses loud and clear on failed EU trade deal

Responding to research by the British Chambers of Commerce which shows that firms are unhappy with the EU trade deal and the difficulties it has imposed upon trade, Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “Businesses are saying loud and clear that Boris Johnson’s trade deal with the EU is simply not good enough, but the Government isn’t even listening.   “Claims from the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg about Brexit opportunities ring hollow for businesses being drowned in paperwork and delays at our borders.   “This failed trade deal is even making the cost of living crisis worse, as many businesses have no choice but to raise their prices.   “The Government needs to listen to businesses and urgently relaunch the SME Brexit support fund to help struggling firms cope.”

New stats show pay squeezed as cost of living crisis worsens

Responding to new Office for National Statistics figures that show real term (adjusted for inflation) pay has fallen, Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said: “People up and down the country are facing one of the biggest squeezes on their incomes in a generation.  “This will only get worse as the Conservatives plough on with their unfair National Insurance tax hike that will clobber families.  “If Boris Johnson had any compassion he’d scrap the tax hike and support those set to be hit hard as the cost of living crisis worsens.”

Whiff of something else from this Conservative Government

Responding to Brandon Lewis' comments this morning, in which he defended the remarks made by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace that there is a "whiff of Munich in the air from some in the West", Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran MP said: “There’s a whiff of something else coming from this Conservative Government, who have time and again turned a blind eye to Russian interference in this country. "With UK nationals having to leave Ukraine, it's time to flush out Putin's associates within our borders. Kremlin-linked Russian oligarchs have pumped their dirty cash into Britain for far too long, many of them fast-tracked for residency by the 'golden visa' scheme. It's high time those visas used by Putin's cronies are cancelled."

No resignation gongs for Johnson

The Liberal Democrats have said Boris Johnson should be barred from handing out knighthoods, peerages and other honours when he steps down as Prime Minister. The party’s Chief Whip, Wendy Chamberlain, has written to the chairs of the House of Lords Appointments Commission and the Cabinet Office Honours Committee urging them to reject Johnson’s resignation honours list if he puts one forward.  It comes after recent reports Boris Johnson has promised knighthoods and peerages to Conservative MPs to persuade them not to hand in their letters of no confidence to the 1922 committee. Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “Boris Johnson should have already left Number 10. Instead he’s promising people knighthoods and honours in a desperate attempt to cling on to power. “A Prime Minister forced from office by his own lies and law-breaking shouldn’t be allowed to hand out honours to his friends on the way out. Allowing him to get away with this would make a mockery of Parliament and continue to sow distrust in our political system. “There should be no resignation honours list for Johnson and he should be barred from ever getting a seat in the House of Lords. Anything less is an insult to all those who followed the rules whilst Number 10 partied.”