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Prime Minister’s Meeting with Alexander Lebedev
07 July 2022
Lead MP
Vicky Ford
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Ukraine
Other Contributors: 17
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Shadow Comment
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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