Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Prime Minister’s Meeting with Alexander Lebedev

07 July 2022 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Vicky Ford Con Constituency

Foreign AffairsStandards & Ethics

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Vicky Ford raised concerns about prime minister’s meeting with alexander lebedev in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Prime Minister met Alexander Lebedev on a few occasions without officials present.
  • Meeting took place in April 2018 during the Salisbury attack.
  • All Government Ministers are aware of their responsibilities to safeguard national security.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Vicky Ford

Yesterday, the Prime Minister disclosed that he met the former KGB officer Alexander Lebedev on a few occasions without officials present. The meeting in question took place in April 2018 during which time the Salisbury attack was ongoing and shortly after Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were attacked with Novichok nerve agent. All Government Ministers are fully aware of their responsibilities to safeguard national security and sensitive information, and it is a long-standing policy not to comment on intelligence or national security-sensitive matters due to potential risks involved in jeopardising security. In response to the Salisbury attack, 23 Russian intelligence officers were expelled from the UK, and further measures have been taken to strengthen defences against Russian interference.

Other contributors (17)
  • Yvette Cooper Lab Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

    Question

    Questions the integrity of the Prime Minister regarding meetings with Alexander Lebedev. Expresses concerns over national security and asks for details on officials' knowledge beforehand and post-meeting records.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges seriousness of national security, confirms the Prime Minister reported meetings to officials as required.

  • Alyn Smith

    Question

    Critiques the Government's actions over the last few years and expresses disappointment in the Prime Minister's departure. Acknowledges the toxic legacy left behind.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates commitment to national security and states that the Prime Minister committed to following up on questions regarding meetings.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Question

    Challenges whether the Prime Minister informed other officials of the meeting as stated, questioning accuracy based on transparency records.

    Minister reply

    Apologises if there was a misunderstanding but confirms understanding that meetings were reported to officials.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    Question

    According to intelligence reports, a serving FSB officer reported that Aleksandr Lebedev is an important asset for the FSB. He has expanded businesses in occupied Crimea and pleaded with the Kremlin for economic help. How can the Prime Minister stay in office while conspiring with a Russian agent?

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Member knows I cannot comment on future sanctions or provide more details on the individual being discussed.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Given the matter has been pursued for months, is it inappropriate for the Prime Minister to act as a caretaker if resigning due to serious allegations reflecting on his ability to keep the country safe?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister will make a statement shortly and I understand what the right hon. Lady says.

  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    Question

    Why is it unsatisfactory for the Minister to be unprepared? The visa scheme has been delayed; when will the report be published?

    Minister reply

    The visa scheme has ceased.

  • Derek Twigg Lab Widnes and Halewood

    Question

    Is it disturbing that the Prime Minister met an agent of Russia as Foreign Secretary without security or anyone else listening? Does she condemn this meeting?

    Minister reply

    All Government Ministers are made aware of their responsibility to safeguard national security information, but I cannot comment further on the meeting.

  • Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

    Question

    How can the Prime Minister stay in office given he is now a direct threat to national security after admitting meetings with an agent of Russia?

    Minister reply

    I take national security seriously and continue to have Foreign Office Ministers in place. The Prime Minister has announced his resignation.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Question

    Did the Prime Minister possess Government papers or personal electronic devices during these meetings with a KGB agent?

    Minister reply

    I do not have any further details at this time, but I have inquired about them.

  • Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

    Question

    Why did it take until yesterday for the Prime Minister to admit meeting a KGB agent? Will there be a report on this matter?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister answered the question at the Liaison Committee yesterday.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Question

    Has the Prime Minister recalled his memory of the meeting with Alexander Lebedev, who owns businesses in illegally occupied Crimea?

    Minister reply

    At the time, there was a chemical weapon attack against civilians on UK soil. The Foreign Office coordinated the expulsion of Russian diplomats.

  • Ruth Cadbury Lab Brentford and Isleworth

    Question

    What reassurance can be given that the Prime Minister has had no other meetings with KGB agents or those posing a threat to national security?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister committed to providing information in writing to the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Question

    What analysis has been undertaken on the impact of the Prime Minister’s secret meetings with Lebedev?

    Minister reply

    Russia is a top national security priority. We have implemented strategies to counter Russian threats, including closing tier 1 investor visas.

  • Alison Thewliss

    Question

    What analysis has been conducted on the influence of political donations from Russian-linked donors and their national security implications?

    Minister reply

    Transparency is important. Political parties must uphold laws regarding permissible sources of donations, including foreign nationals.

  • Ian Mearns

    Question

    Why would any allies share sensitive information with the UK now, given recent revelations about the Prime Minister’s meetings?

    Minister reply

    The UK has been leading international efforts to stand up for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Will there be full disclosure of what was discussed with Alexander Lebedev and the threat to national security given his links to the KGB and Kremlin?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Gentleman understands I cannot disclose further information at this time, as it may put citizens at risk.

Shadow Comment

Yvette Cooper

The shadow Security Minister expressed concerns regarding national security, integrity, and the Prime Minister's actions. She highlighted that Canada has sanctioned Alexander Lebedev for his role in enabling Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine while the UK has not taken similar action. Cooper questioned whether officials were aware of the meeting beforehand and if a detailed record was made post-meeting. Other rumours suggested that Lebedev attempted to arrange a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, which she sought clarification on. Additionally, she asked about other meetings with Lebedev during his tenure as Prime Minister and questioned why Home Office Ministers have been covering up this information.

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