I have written to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to ask if the Foreign Secretary will assess the potential use of human rights legislation by Russian oligarchs to avoid sanctions.
The Foreign Office has informed me that since Russia invaded Ukraine, over 1,400 individuals and businesses have been sanctioned under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.
They have also confirmed that assessments are being made regarding the ways that Russian Oligarchs are attempting to avoid sanctions.
The UK Government must continue to ensure that all oligarchs close to Putin are sanctioned without fear or favour.
Question:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make an assessment of the potential use of human rights legislation by Russian oligarchs to circumvent sanctions.
Answer:
James Cleverly:
In response to Putin’s assault on Ukraine we have introduced the largest and most severe economic sanctions that Russia has ever faced, targeting Putin’s war machine. Since the invasion we have sanctioned over 1400 individuals and businesses/entities. We are targeting oligarchs close to Putin without fear or favour, and we will continue to do so.
In making designations under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) the Government is required to act in accordance with rights conferred by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. SAMLA provides designated persons with a right to review their designation and designated persons are able to challenge that decision in UK courts.
