By Amber Bereznyckyj, History and Creative Writing student at the New College of the Humanities
Recent events in Ukraine have led the British Parliament to re-evaluate the presence of Russian influence as the nation prepares to support Ukraine in its war efforts. The Intelligence and Security Committee Russia Report, published in 2020, revealed Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit and the 2014 Scottish referendums. The report suggests that this was because the Kremlin sees the UK as ‘central to the Western anti-Russian lobby.’ It also states that London has been used as a ‘laundromat’ to process fraudulent money through the UK’s free market. Out of those investigated for corruption, an estimated £1.5 billion of UK property in the City of Westminster is hoarded amongst Russian oligarchs as a central asset to managing their money. This is the new normal for London, despite the damage, this solicited business will do to British democracy and the already fragile trust of the public.
Coupled with the Ukrainian War, the UK has decided to impose a number of sanctions to pressure Russia to end the war. They also wish to reduce Russian influence on British politics and the UK’s dependency on Russian finance in fear of an economic crisis. This will be done through a new Economic Crime Bill, which introduces more developed registers on UK property, wealth orders and the UK company registrar. The Government will also close the Tier one investor visa scheme, which sold off visas for £2 million investments. Further sanctions include banning Russian news channels, stopping oil imports, and vetoing Russia’s entry into WTO. In addition to all that, an importation tax has been increased by 35% and UK exportation of luxury goods to Russia has been suspended.
While the Government supports Ukraine, British Citizens have been signing up to fight on the front line throughout the last few weeks and providing transport for Ukrainian refugees to safely arrive in the UK. There are several ways British Citizens can support Ukraine, such as donating money or supplies to certified charities (for example Disasters Emergency Committee or British Red Cross). One location for supply donations is the Polish White Eagle Club in Balham, London. Donation items desperately needed include full cases of food (tins, instant soups), baby food and clothes, nappies, sanitary products (especially period management), first aid kits, power banks, torches, sleeping bags, helmets, and military equipment. However, the situation is changing rapidly, therefore, check the organisations’ websites or social media for the most updated information on what is needed the most. You can also volunteer to sort through the donations. If you have a spare room, as the British did in World War Two for their people, join the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, where the Government funds you to house Ukrainian families until they can find their own accommodation. Many high profile politicians, such as Matt Hancock, are considering or are in the process of joining the scheme. You can also show your solidarity by attending protests, which are happening Monday-Friday 6 pm-8 pm and Saturday-Sunday 2 pm-4 pm on Trafalgar Square. No matter how the British public supports Ukraine the most important act is to #StandWithUkraine.