Former deputy PM Nick Clegg blacklisted from entering Russia
FORMER deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has been banned from going to Russia. Clegg’s name appeared on a blacklist of 89 European politicians and media leaders handed to an EU delegation in Moscow last week.
Clegg prohibited Liberal Democrat ministers from attending the Winter Olympics in Sochi and has called for Russia to be stripped of hosting the 2018 World Cup.
An EU spokesperson confirmed that the list had been shared by the Russian authorities, but added: “We don’t have any other information on legal basis, criteria and process of this decision. We consider this measure as totally arbitrary and unjustified, especially in the absence of any further clarification and transparency.”
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) agreed, saying there is “absolutely no justification” for the list.
“The Russian authorities have not provided any legal basis for the list or for the names on it,” an FCO spokeswoman said, adding, “If Russia thinks this action will cause the EU to change its position on sanctions, it is wrong. The way for Russia to get the sanctions lifted is to remove its troops from Ukraine and comply with its obligations under the Minsk agreements.”