Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Vladimir Kara-Murza

17 April 2023 · 14 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Mitchell Con Sutton Coldfield

UkraineForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about vladimir kara-murza in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Vladimir Kara-Murza is a Russian opposition politician and journalist and a British national.
  • He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
  • Mr Kara-Murza's detention is seen as part of Russia's suppression of dissent against its actions in Ukraine.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Andrew Mitchell

I am grateful to raise the urgent matter of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition politician and journalist who is also a British national. He has been sentenced to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges for criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Mr Kara-Murza’s detention reflects Russia's suppression of dissent against its actions in Ukraine. His case joins over 500 others arrested for speaking out against the war. The UK condemns these acts and has been actively pushing for his release since his arrest last April, including through international forums like the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations. Consular officials have attended court hearings and delivered statements to Russian media on his behalf.

Other contributors (14)
  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Melton

    Question

    I am disappointed that an urgent question was required today when clearly a statement was in order, but I welcome the fact that the Government have called in the Russian ambassador. We should be very clear that the sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza is a farce. His crime was speaking out against Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine and we should pay homage to his courage... [full question]

    Minister reply

    I thank my hon. Friend for her trenchant speech, which reflects the sentiment of the House. We agree with pretty much everything she said. The trial was conducted behind closed doors without observers or diplomats present. The defence had insufficient time and refused access to witnesses. Officials are investigating further sanctions on those involved in his case under Magnitsky propositions. A package of measures will be proposed within a week.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Question

    The MP expresses deep concern over Vladimir Kara-Murza's sentencing to 25 years in prison, questioning the UK Government's support for him as a dual British citizen. He asks about sanctions against Russian officials involved, assurances on Kara-Murza’s health and safety, and details of public or private cases raised by Ministers.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges the government's strong support during the trial but provides specifics on investigating further sanctions against those involved. He confirms summoning an ambassador to discuss Kara-Murza’s health issues.

  • John Whittingdale Con Maldon

    Question

    The MP asks about efforts for the release of Evan Gershkovich and suggests targeted sanctions on persecutors of journalists in Russia.

    Minister reply

    The Minister responds that various actions are being taken to protect press freedom, including conferences and specific responses to journalist persecution cases like Evan Gershkovich.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Question

    The MP criticises the government’s delayed reaction regarding sanctions on Russian officials involved in Kara-Murza's trial, emphasising the need for immediate action to prevent his death in prison.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledges concerns about natural justice denied during the trial and discusses current efforts like summoning ambassadors for consular meetings. He also mentions looking into international law possibilities regarding dual nationals.

  • David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington

    Question

    The MP suggests expelling diplomats as a measure against Russian state actions.

    Minister reply

    The Minister considers the idea of expelling diplomats but emphasises balancing national interest in diplomatic strategies.

  • Alyn Smith

    Question

    The MP calls for using Magnitsky sanctions to target persecutors and advocates stronger opposition to Russia’s involvement in international organisations.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirms considering all options, including potential use of the Magnitsky legislation. He also mentions previous actions like removing Russia from the UN Human Rights Council.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    The MP urges speaking more strongly about Russia as a totalitarian state run by KGB gangsters, drawing parallels to past Soviet dissidents.

    Minister reply

    The Minister agrees that acknowledging the nature of Putin's regime is important and pays tribute to brave individuals like Anatoly Marchenko who stood up against injustice.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberavon Maesteg

    Question

    I first became aware of Vladimir Kara-Murza when I was the director of the British Council in St Petersburg and have since come to know him as a friend. Despite his bravery, UK Government has not sanctioned the 29 officials involved in persecuting Mr Kara-Murza, while other countries such as the US, Canada and Latvia have. Why is this?

    Minister reply

    Mr Kara-Murza’s bravery and determination are an inspiration to us all. Officials are looking at sanctioning those involved but cannot yet confirm whether it is possible.

  • John Howell

    Question

    Like Mr Kinnock, I regard Vladimir Kara-Murza as a friend and have had him speak on several occasions. As Russia is no longer part of the Council of Europe or under the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisdiction, how will we ensure that our view of human rights applies in this case?

    Minister reply

    We will do everything possible to ensure Mr Kara-Murza’s freedom and work with international allies to bear down on his case.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Mr Kara-Murza is a member of the Lib Dems’ sister party Yabloko, whose activists are concerned about his physical condition. Will the Minister join me in expressing solidarity with all those brave activists who have worked with Mr Kara-Murza and provide a timeframe for reporting back on sanctions?

    Minister reply

    We will report back as soon as possible, but I understand her frustration. Mr Kara-Murza is not an enemy of Russia; he stands up for freedom, democracy and peace.

  • Jonathan Djanogly

    Question

    Following the shocking sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza, will my right hon Friend confirm that all those involved so far, including prison guards and doctors, will be subject to sanctions?

    Minister reply

    We will look at every possible opportunity for sanctioning.

  • Jonathan Edwards

    Question

    The UK Government’s press release mentions the work of the UN Human Rights Council’s rapporteur on internal oppression in Russia. Will the Minister update the House on this and what he hopes the outcome will be?

    Minister reply

    We look at the work of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council all the time and report when necessary.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    I thank the Minister for his answers. The sentence handed to Vladimir Kara-Murza is a sign that the Russian authorities are determined to silence critics of Putin’s regime and eliminate any threats to their system. What steps will the Minister take to work with counterparts in western states to ensure we safeguard those who expose the criminality of the Russian Government?

    Minister reply

    We will seek every way possible to protect whistleblowers and take every possible step to prosecute important issues.

Shadow Comment

Alicia Kearns

I welcome the Government’s actions but express disappointment that an urgent question was needed for this matter. I assert that Mr Kara-Murza's sentencing is a farce for criticising Putin’s war crimes in Ukraine. The Foreign Affairs Committee recently published a report on state hostage taking, emphasising the need to speak loudly about such detentions. My requests are: provide more details on securing his release; ensure he receives necessary medical care under Russian law due to past poisonings; sanction 29 individuals responsible for holding him; and advise all British nationals to return home as Russia is no longer safe.

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