Hague links to Russia ‘dirty money’
Tory’s role with Putin-linked law firm
MPs have said former Tory leader Lord Hague has “questions to answer” over a role with a law firm linked to cronies of Vladimir Putin.
WILLIAM Hague is pocketing cash from a law firm slammed by MPs over its links to Vladimir Putin.
The former leader of the Tory Party, now a peer, is raking in thousands as chairman of the International Advisory Group at legal giant Linklaters.
MPs publicly rebuked the firm this week over its work on deals involving Russian companies close to the Kremlin.
And last night former Foreign Secretary Lord Hague was said to have “serious questions to answer” as Theresa May was urged to launch a probe.
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee said on Monday that others should judge whether Linklaters had become “so entwined in the corruption of the Kremlin and its supporters that they are no longer able to meet the standards expected of a UK-regulated law firm”. The blast came after the firm refused to appear before the committee for a quiz on the flotation of EN+, the holding company of oligarch Oleg Deripaska.
MPs warned the UK is turning a “blind eye” to Russia’s “dirty money” – which is putting national security at risk.
The Committee also said London was being used to hide the “corrupt assets” of President Putin and his cronies.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell said: “Lord Hague has serious questions to answer and the Prime Minister has to consider urgent action. Labour has warned for months that the Tories have worrying links to Russian money men.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable added: “William Hague has questions to answer over his role, in particular whether he has given advice in relation to Russia and what that advice was. It would be best he appeared before the select committee to answer these questions.”
And Andrew Feinstein, chief executive of Corruption Watch, said: “It is remarkable so prominent a politician would play such a role in a firm alleged to be tied to those close to Vladimir Putin.
“It reflects a shameful revolving door between the upper reaches of politics and facilitators and enablers of dubious financial practices. It also speaks to the relationship the Tory party has with wealthy Russians close to Putin.”
There is no suggestion Lord Hague is in breach of the Lords’ Code of Conduct. Under the “remunerated employment” section in his Lords register of interests, it states: “Chair of International Advisory Group, Linklaters LLP.”
Lord Hague, who has earned millions since quitting as Tory leader in 2001, did not respond to requests for comment.
Linklaters said it was “very surprised and concerned” at the criticism by the Foreign Affairs Select Committee and denied claims that its services “may somehow involve the firm in corruption, state-related or otherwise”.
A spokeswoman confirmed Lord Hague has a paid role with its International Advisory Group, which he took up in 2015. She declined to reveal his pay but industry sources said he would earn at least tens of thousands a year.
She added: “Linklaters adheres to the highest standards of business conduct.”