Sanctions Assets Seizure 2022-03-22
2022-03-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Discussions on seizing the assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs are ongoing.
What recent discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on seizing the assets of sanctioned Russian oligarchs?
I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Justice is working closely with colleagues across Government to look at how we can go further to crack down on illicit money in British property, including considering temporary asset seizures beyond the freezing regime that we already have in place. I am not yet in a position to present the details of this to the House.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or timeline for seizing assets beyond freezing regimes.
Not Yet In A Position
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Concerns were raised about Russian interference in UK politics, with slow approaches to sanctioning oligarchs.
When concerns about Russian interference in UK politics were raised by the Intelligence and Security Committee a couple of years ago, the Prime Minister laughed them off. What confidence should we have that the Government is taking the threat seriously?
Everybody can be incredibly confident that the UK has acted swiftly to execute the biggest package of sanctions ever imposed against a G20 nation. Let us be clear that the UK has designated more than 1,000 individuals, entities and subsidiaries under the Russia sanctions regime since the invasion.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Legislation was rushed, and reports suggest further measures may be needed.
Given the rushed nature of legislation as the Government plays catch-up with EU states, what discussions have taken place around closing remaining loopholes exploited by oligarchs?
The hon. Gentleman is right that we need to legislate effectively and that is why we will take time to get the detail right on property while prioritising further action as far as we can. To be clear, in the past week the Government have passed the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022, established a register of beneficial ownership, and sanctioned more than 1,000 individuals and entities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm further legislation will be expected in coming year.
Need To Legislate Effectively
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A new kleptocracy unit was set up, despite the existence of similar units.
Why was it necessary to set up a third kleptocracy unit when there are already international corruption and anti-corruption coordination centers?
I do not think that anybody should doubt that we have the measures in place. Our sanctions regime is bold and we have taken swift, comprehensive measures.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address differences between new unit and existing ones or investigative efforts.
Doubt
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Sanctions causing hardship to Russian people are in place.
Does the Minister agree that international sanctions causing such hardship to the Russian people are totally the responsibility of one man, and his name is Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin?
My hon. Friend puts it perfectly. Of course, the sanctions will have and are having an economic impact. We have no quarrel with the Russian people. The blame for that impact lies squarely at the door of the Kremlin, and I think the whole world knows that.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Some UK law firms are accused of promoting nefarious interests of the Russian state.
Will the Minister tell the House what has been done to stop UK law firms such as Debevoise & Plimpton, Cleary Gottleib Steen & Hamilton and Steptoe & Johnson acting as enablers of Russian criminals and the Kremlin?
As I set out very recently in my written answer to the hon. Gentleman, the rule of law means that everyone has a right to access legal representation. Legal advice is often necessary to ensure that those who are subject to sanctions fully understand and comply with the restrictions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not detail specific actions against law firms.
Rule Of Law
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Urgency to go further than outlined in addressing law firm actions.
Given what is happening in Ukraine, there is an urgency about going further than the Minister outlined. Will he consider imposing sanctions on law firms that continue to act for the Kremlin and Putin's cronies?
It was only on 20 January that the Backbench Business Committee brought before this House a debate on SLAPPs lawfare. I responded to that debate, and at the end I said the Government would be responding. Less than two months later, the Deputy Prime Minister came before the House with detailed proposals.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address sanctions on law firms enabling Russian sanctions breaches.
Debate
Response accuracy