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Question
The shadow minister asked what further discussions the Secretary of State was having with sporting bodies to ensure a total ban on Russian participation in sports, expressing concern over some organisations allowing neutral status for Russian athletes.
Minister reply
In response to concerns about partial bans and exceptions for Russian athletes, the Minister emphasised her commitment to isolating Russia fully through sport. She mentioned ongoing discussions with international sporting bodies to ensure consistent enforcement of these measures.
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Question
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of her statement and expressed support for her comments on Ukraine. He raised concerns about full bans not being in place for Russian athletes competing under neutral flags, such as at Wimbledon.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the points made by the Hon. Gentleman and stated that an international summit was scheduled to address these issues with other countries.
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Question
This MP welcomed the Secretary of State to the Dispatch Box and brought up information about US intelligence indicating President Xi's involvement in delaying Russia’s invasion until after Beijing Olympics. He warned against considering China as an interlocutor with Russia, drawing historical parallels from 1940.
Minister reply
The Minister thanked her right hon. Friend for his points but stated that she could not comment on the assertion about Putin's invasion timing and indicated plans to hold a summit to reach a position on these matters.
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Question
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of her statement. He highlighted recent brutal attacks, high refugee numbers and misinformation spreading from Russian state media like RT. He questioned why the UK had to wait on EU sanctions before taking action against RT.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that the closure of RT was due to EU sanctions impacting companies operating in the EU, not directly through actions by the UK Government. She also mentioned efforts being made to address online streaming platforms like Meta and TikTok.
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Question
This MP noted the overwhelming condemnation of Russia at the UN General Assembly and praised the closure of RT from British screens. He requested that Ofcom be informed about the House's feeling that it would be deplored if RT were to return on British TV.
Minister reply
The Minister agreed with her right hon. Friend, mentioned publishing a letter to Ofcom calling for investigations into RT and hoped they would expedite their removal of RT’s licence.
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Question
The MP warmly commended the Secretary of State for her statement but expressed concern over why individuals like Roman Abramovich have not yet been sanctioned, despite their involvement in illicit activity. He also questioned why Alisher Usmanov's property has not been seized and why no yacht or flat belonging to Russian oligarchs has been confiscated by the UK government. Additionally, he asked the Minister for her stance on John Terry’s recent social media post with Roman Abramovich.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State thanked Chris Bryant for his longstanding work on these issues. She acknowledged that while she cannot name individuals, the Foreign Office is working on sanctions against Russian kleptocrats and their assets. She also agreed that football clubs should not be funded by Russian oligarchs but emphasised the need to keep clubs viable.
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Question
The MP praised his right hon. Friend for her statement and suggested the government needs to better resource hard and soft power capabilities, including the BBC World Service and British Council, in light of the current global situation.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State heard John Baron’s points about resourcing soft power capabilities and assured him that she is having discussions on many fronts.
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Question
The MP praised the BBC and other independent British journalists providing objective journalism, contrasting this with Russia Today's misinformation. She asked why action was not taken immediately to stop Russia Today broadcasts in the UK.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State explained that due to EU-based infrastructure for Russia Today, it took some time to address the issue after writing to Ofcom and waiting for EU sanctions.
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Question
The MP welcomed the Secretary of State’s statement and inquired about UNESCO withdrawing its conference from Russia. She also asked if her Department plans cultural and sporting sanctions against the Kremlin.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirmed she is meeting with Ministers to coordinate joint positions on banning Russian athletes and sportspeople from competitions.
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Question
The MP praised the Secretary of State for her comments about broadcast journalists and suggested including Channel 4 News. He also mentioned a historic APPG meeting and questioned whether it was acceptable that Alisher Usmanov’s assets are funding Everton football club.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State did not think her colleagues sought to depose Chris Bryant from his role in the APPG on Russia. She acknowledged that Usmanov's sanctioned status by the EU raised issues regarding asset ownership and use.
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Question
The MP commended the Secretary of State for her statement and asked if she would do all she could to counter Russian disinformation through media platforms.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agreed that countering disinformation is crucial. She highlighted the work of British journalists in providing accurate information and mentioned ongoing efforts to combat Russian propaganda both online and on television.
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Question
Expressed gratitude towards the Secretary of State for her comments on journalists keeping people informed about the situation in Ukraine, and asked whether future funding of media organisations like BBC and Channel 4 will take into account these journalists' efforts. She also enquired about the assurance that future funding of the BBC World Service would consider recent events.
Minister reply
The Secretary assured that the BBC is a great British global brand and needs protection, and mentioned that the BBC World Service is funded through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
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Question
Welcomed the statement about isolating Russia culturally, media-wise and sport-wise and asked for elaboration on the summit being held in relation to these matters.
Minister reply
The Secretary welcomed Southend’s city status and outlined that the summit would discuss all sporting aspects of the war, aiming for a coherent global position against Russian athletes participating in international events.
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Question
Suggested considering how to finance the total UK media effort across Government Departments, focusing on ensuring Ukrainian voices are heard in Russia.
Minister reply
The Secretary commended Ukrainians and their journalism for bringing information about Ukraine's plight to the world.
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Question
Complimented the Secretary of State’s work in isolating Russia, praising Formula 1's decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix and called for continued sanctions against Russia until Putin is no longer in power.
Minister reply
The Secretary agreed with her colleague, emphasising that any organisation hosting sporting events in Russia will not be condoned.
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Question
Asked about the future of relationships between UK towns and cities with those in Ukraine once peace is established.
Minister reply
The Secretary acknowledged the importance of rebuilding relationships but stressed that it was not feasible at present.
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Question
Paid tribute to journalists for their bravery and integrity in reporting on the invasion, suggesting they are heroes.
Minister reply
The Secretary agreed with the hon. Member’s sentiment, praising the journalists for their work.
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Question
Asked about implementing the Crouch report to protect football clubs from corrupt individuals, including those linked to Putin.
Minister reply
The Secretary acknowledged the value of the Crouch report and stated her intention to establish an independent regulator as soon as possible.
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Question
Mentioned that Russia Today was previously available on channel 206 in Westminster but is now defunct, questioning whether Putin would be a part of Ukraine's future.
Minister reply
The Secretary agreed with the hon. Member’s statement.
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Question
We are all completely indebted to our British journalists in Ukraine who are serving not just us but the Russian people. What is the Secretary of State doing to ensure that the digital and telecoms infrastructure remains intact?
Minister reply
My officials have been holding conversations day and night with international operators, especially those based in the US, since Putin launched his war on Ukraine. We are assisting with telecoms structure and ensuring messaging reaches people in Russia about what is happening there.
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Question
The Science Museum in my constituency has decided not to proceed with an exhibition relating to the trans-Siberian railway. Does my right hon. Friend agree that our cultural institutions have shown great leadership in ostracising Putin and his cronies?
Minister reply
I absolutely do. I commend every institution that is taking a brave line by refusing engagement, display, or provision of facilities for any Russian cultural institution or exhibition.
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Question
Russia’s attack on Ukraine is unacceptable and must not be tolerated. The House has heard frequently about the financial difficulties facing the entertainment industry in the last two years. What support will the Government provide for venues that are now out of pocket due to cancelled performances by Russian state ballet?
Minister reply
Hopefully, those organisations’ insurance policies will kick in as a result because this is war. All our efforts are focused on helping the people of Ukraine and beating Putin.
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Question
I commend my right hon. Friend for her work with cultural and sporting bodies to ostracise Russia. Does she agree that ending the broadcasting of premier league games in Russia and Belarus will help expose the barbaric invasion?
Minister reply
Yes, I absolutely agree. We are holding conversations this afternoon with officials and sporting organisations to take a hard line against broadcasting Russian football, goods and shows.
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Question
I commend the Secretary of State for her statement, resilience, courage, and leadership. Some say that politics and sport should never mix, but this is not about politics; it is about life and death. Does she believe that in the present situation, as this House is saying clearly, the art world must consider its exhibitions? Will she allow it to make its own determinations?
Minister reply
Sport and politics will very much be mixing in the theatre of war against someone like Putin. We are providing clear leadership messages to sporting, cultural and creative institutions about what we expect of them.
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Question
I warmly welcome my right hon. Friend’s statement. I agree with her approach of allowing the independent regulator to make decisions about broadcasting in this country. However, may I suggest gently that next time she speaks to the chair of Ofcom, she might want to suggest a more proactive approach when a mad dictator declares war on a sovereign country? What steps is the Department taking to support UK media broadcasters and print journalists in Ukraine?
Minister reply
I am sure the chair of Ofcom has heard your words loud and clear. We cannot guarantee that Russian-based journalists will remain there or that we can continue broadcasting; however, our commitment is to do our very best to ensure these services are available for as long as possible.