THIS AFTERNOON (Apr 27) the Russian foreign ministry announced reciprocal sanctions on 287 Commons members following our sanctioning of members of the Duma.

Embarrassingly the number of MPs sanctioned is much lower than the number they’ve stated. The Russians seem to be a bit confused, with the Kremlin sanctioning just 266 sitting MPs; with 18 non-sitting MPs included, two duplicates, and one case (Grieve) of being both duplicated and no longer an MP.

The Kremlin have clearly used a pre-2019 election list of MPs as it includes the likes of Seema Kennedy, Oliver Letwin, Justine Greening, Rory Stewart, Charlie Elphicke and Dominic Grieve.

David Davis MP responded to the announcement by asking “How will I ever cope…”, 

Ben Everitt MP used Prime Minister’s Questions to joke that he doubts any hon. members will need to rearrange their holiday plans. 

In Pembrokeshire, Simon Hart MP – The Secretary of State for Wales – is now officially banned from entering the Russian Federation, but former Prime Minister hopeful Stephen Crabb MP has seemingly escaped sanctions; and is still free to travel having being left off the no-fly list.

He has recently said the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have consequences throughout the world for decades to come.
Mr Crabb described the Kremlin as a ‘gangster government’ and warned that the ‘strongest possible measures’ must be taken.

“No one should be in any doubt, this is a very dark [time] for all of us in Europe,” said Mr Crabb.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have consequences throughout the world for decades to come, and the decisions made in response will shape our future.

“This is a testing moment for the western alliance of nations, who value freedom and democracy.

“It is imperative that we act with unity and serious purpose.”

The Herald has asked both local MPs for their latest comments.