Russia Bans 287 British MPs, Expels Norwegian & Japanese Diplomats

The Russian foreign ministry has banned 287 British parliamentarians from gaining entry into the country. This is one of the latest tit-for-tat measures announced by Moscow against foreign governments who have protested against the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine.

The foreign ministry also announced on Wednesday that Russia will expel three Norwegian and eight Japanese diplomats.

“In response to the decision taken by the British government on March 11 to add 386 State Duma deputies to a sanctions list, in a reciprocal move, personal restrictions are being placed on 287 members of the House of Commons,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Moscow said the list included British parliamentarians who have played “the most active part” in drawing up anti-Russian sanctions and contributed to “Russophobic hysteria”.

Among those blacklisted from entry are Speaker of the House of Commons; Lindsay Hoyle, as well as Cabinet members, including Minister for Brexit; Jacob Rees-Mogg and Environment Secretary; George Eustice. The list also includes Labor politicians, among them Diane Abbott who is a close ally of former Labor Party leader; Jeremy Corbyn.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in parliament that those included on the Russian list “should regard it as a badge of honor”.

“What we will do is keep up our robust and principled support for the Ukrainian people, and their right to protect their lives, their families, and to defend themselves,” he said.

Russia already blacklisted Johnson, as well as UK Deputy Prime Minister; Dominic Raab, Foreign Secretary; Liz Truss, Defense Secretary; Ben Wallace, and several others.

Norway declared three Russian diplomats persona non grata earlier in April, citing activities “incompatible” with their diplomatic status. In March, the UK imposed sanctions on 386 members of Russia’s lower house of parliament for their support of the war in Ukraine.