Labour: End Tory Russia link cash
Calls to hand back ‘£5m’ in donations as tensions rise
LABOUR is demanding the Tory Party returns “millions” given by Russian-linked backers.
The Opposition estimates the Tories received £5,174,848.38 over 10 years.
And in a letter to ministers, Labour says: “We can’t stand up to Russia’s aggression abroad while ignoring Russian-linked corruption at home.”
With fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves write: “It is shameful that Britain is repeatedly described as the money-laundering capital of the world. It is in national and economic interests to address the challenges of hostile influence and interference which the Government’s inaction and behaviour have regrettably permitted.”
Mr Lammy told the Sunday Mirror: “While Boris Johnson tries to talk tough with Vladimir Putin, his own party has been raking in millions from donors with links to Russia.”
Banker Lubov Chernukhin has given £1.9million –including £500,000 for the 2019 election fight. Her lawyers say: “Donations have never been tainted by Kremlin or any other influence.”
Alexander Temerko has donated £1.6million. His firm Aquind Energy is awaiting government
approval for a £1billion electricity interconnector under the Channel. Mr Temerk’s spokesman said: “He has no links to Russia.”
Both he and Ms Chernukhin are UK citizens and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing.
Corrupt money flowing into Britain is said to top £100billion a year. Nearly 250,000 homes are owned by foreignbased buyers. Putin allies are among owners of 12,000 in Westminster alone. Lack of transparency means many could dodge possible sanctions.
A Tory spokesman said donations, declared to the Electoral Commission, were only accepted from “individuals registered on the electoral roll or UK registered companies”.