Elites linked to the Russian state can be excluded from
entering the UK under new measures announced by the Home
Secretary today.
Under the new measures, the government will expand the criteria
for exclusion to cover Kremlin-linked elites. This will ensure
that, while Russia remains an acute national security threat,
elites linked to the Russian state can be prevented from entering
the UK.
Those who could be barred from the UK include anyone who provides
significant support to the Russian state and/or those who owe
their significant status or wealth to the Russian state and/or
those who enjoy access to the highest levels of the Russian
state.
Kremlin-linked elites can pose a real and present danger to our
way of life. They denounce our values in public while enjoying
the benefits of the UK in private - benefits which they look to
deprive Ukraine of through their support of Russia's
war. They can act as tools for the Russian state,
enabling the continuation and expansion of Russia's aggression.
The move will bolster both UK national interest and national
security, one of the key priorities underpinning the government's
Plan for Change, by blocking the physical access of those
who undermine UK national security. These new measures will
complement the UK's existing sanctions regime against Russian
elites who are supporting Putin's war effort, which will remain
in place as long as Russia threatens Ukraine's sovereignty.
The move follows continued action from the UK to respond to
Russia's illegal war in Ukraine including through imposing
extensive sanctions on elites linked to the Russian State,
strengthening law enforcement capabilities through the National
Crime Agency's (NCA's) Combatting Kleptocracy Cell and closing
the legislative loopholes open to money laundering by criminal
actors.
These measures also follow ramped up efforts to tackle Russian
illicit finance through the NCA's Op Destabilise,
successfully disrupting two Russian money laundering
networks which provided services to Russian oligarchs and helped
fund Russian state espionage operations. The NCA-led action led
to 84 arrests and over £20 million in illicit funds
seized. This work continues; since the disruption, a further
£1 million of cash has been seized and a further 6 arrests made.
This change builds on the UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership signed
in January, which commits both countries to work together to
tackle the malign influence of elites linked to the Russian
state.
Security Minister said:
“Border security is national security, and we will use all the
tools at our disposal to protect our country against the threat
from Russia.
“The measures announced today slam the door shut to the oligarchs
who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people
whilst bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war.
“My message to Putin's friends in Moscow is simple: you are not
welcome in the UK.”
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UK's total
military, economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine amounts
to £12.8billion. And we remain committed to the
provision of £3billion of military support a year to put Ukraine
in the strongest position possible.
Earlier this month, the Defence Secretary led the 50-nation
strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group for the first time and
announced a further £150 million firepower package for Ukraine,
including drones, tanks and air defence systems.
Defence Secretary, MP, said:
“As we mark the third anniversary of Russia's illegal invasion,
Putin is still waging a war he thought he would win in three
days, because of fierce resistance from the Ukrainians. Our
support for them is unshakeable.
"I am proud of the UK's leadership and unity on Ukraine. Keeping
the Ukrainians in their fight and as strong as possible at
any negotiating table is critical not only for them, but for the
security of the UK. These new measures send a powerful
message that we will do what it takes to turn the tables on
Putin's aggression."
