MP is among those banned from Russia

MIKE Amesbury is one of six Cheshire MPs now banned from entering Russia over their criticism of the invasion of Ukraine, but he sees it as a ‘badge of honour’.

Mr Amesbury (pictured), who represents Weaver Vale, has hit out at Russia and President Putin in speeches before Parliament and is now one of the 287 names on a list of MPs banned from visiting the country.

His Labour colleagues Chris Matheson from the City of Chester and Justin Madders who represents Ellesmere Port and Neston are also on Putin’s banned list.

Conservative MPs Esther McVey from Tatton, Fiona Bruce from Congleton and David Rutley who represents Macclesfield have also been told they won’t be visiting Russia.

The Russian Federation issued a list of 287 MPs who are now banned from the country in retaliation to British sanctions.

A document accompanying the list says those banned “took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions... and whipped up Russophobic hysteria in the UK”.

In a statement, Mr Amesbury said: “I stand with Ukraine. This is Putin’s war, Putin is the aggressor. He has invaded a sovereign nation and we have seen the horrors inflicted on the Ukrainian people. Putin needs to withdraw.

“I also stand with those in Russia who are bravely opposing the war. Governments, including our own, need to step up sanctions against the Putin regime.”

The MP has helped secure visas for Ukrainian refugees fleeing to relatives and hosts in his constituency and wants the Government to cut the bureaucracy involved in the process.

He added: “People have opened their hearts and their homes. The generosity of the public now needs to be matched by a generous response from ministers.”

A total of 479 people from Cheshire have now offered homes and accommodation for Ukranian refugees as part of the Government’s Homes For Ukraine sponsorship scheme.

MPs have responded with some derision to the Russian list, as it contains four names who are no longer sitting in the House of Commons.

In another error, Tory MP Heather Wheeler’s name appears twice, as the 18th and 206th entries, meaning there are actually just 286 names on the list.