Russia has banned 39 prominent Britons, including politicians, business people and journalists, from entering its country, according to its foreign ministry.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford are among others who have been barred from entering Russia in the sanctions announced by Moscow.
The list of people “who are no longer allowed to enter the Russian Federation” includes serving MPs such as Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy, former prime minister David Cameron, and journalist and presenter Huw Edwards.
The list also features shadow communities secretary Lisa Nandy, shadow international trade secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds and Conservative former cabinet minister Liam Fox.
A statement from the Russian foreign ministry said it was acting in response to UK sanctions against Russians, which have been put in place in response to the war in Ukraine.
The Russian foreign ministry said “In connection with the continued application by the UK Government of the mechanism of sanctions, restrictions against representatives of the socio-political circles of Russia, domestic economic operators and the media, it was decided to include in the Russian ‘stop list’ a number of British politicians, businessmen and journalists who contribute to London’s hostile course aimed at the demonisation of our country and its international isolation.
“As has been noted more than once, the pernicious actions of the UK in planting Russophobia, spreading false information about our country and supporting the Kyiv neo-Nazi regime will receive an adequate and decisive response from the Russian side.
“The choice in favour of confrontation is a conscious decision of the British political establishment, which bears all responsibility for the consequences.”
Keir Starmer
Danny Lawson
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London
House of Commons