UK must continue to oppose and expose Putin’s regime – Carmichael

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael, has today in the House of Commons called for the UK to continue to oppose and expose Vladimir Putin, following news that 15 Members of Parliament (including Mr Carmichael) have been banned from travelling to Russia. Mr Carmichael called on the government to ensure that the UK’s resolve to support Ukraine and oppose Russia was heard in both the Kremlin and the White House.

Speaking in the House, Mr Carmichael said:

“I’ve really got nothing new to say about this, but since I was one of those yesterday who was included in the list of those no longer welcome in the Kremlin – not that I ever thought I would be – I do feel compelled to place on record that my determination to oppose and expose the brutality and illegality of Vladimir Putin and his government is greater today than it was yesterday. 

“Can the minister do what he can to make sure that our resolve in this House is heard in the Kremlin, and also if necessary in the White House?”

Responding for the government, the Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty MP said:

“I have no doubt that the Kremlin is watching what is being said, and I condemn the sanction against him and indeed other members on that side of the House. This terrible aggression by Putin has often had the exact opposite effect of what he intended – strengthened NATO unity, new members of NATO, increased defence spending, increased resolve, increased willingness to stand with Ukraine not just now but 100 years into the future.

“That’s the message that we continue to send from this House, that we continue to send from our allies, and it is the message that we must continue to send.”

Reacting after the exchange, Mr Carmichael said:

“It is easy to joke about Putin’s tantrums – and we should, because there is nothing that tinpot dictators hate more than mockery – but there is a serious point to be made. My right to visit Moscow was essentially hypothetical, but the Russian bombs and missiles raining down on the people of Ukraine are all too real. That is where our attention and our support must continue to be focused.”