St Helens MP calls Russian sanctions a 'badge of honour'

On Wednesday, April 27, Moscow's foreign ministry announced it had banned "287 members of the House of Commons" from entering Russia.

The sanctioned politicians are those who are reported to be "most active" in supporting sanctions against the Kremlin and "whipping up Russophobic hysteria" since the invasion of Ukraine.

It has also been seen as a retaliation to the UK sanctioning 386 Russian politicians last month.

Conor McGinn, St Helens North MP (Image: Conor McGinn MP)

Mr McGinn, MP for St Helens North, said he is treating the sanctioning as a "badge of honour" as he has long been an opponent of Vladimir Putin's regime and practices.

Prior to the invasion into Ukraine, he told the Star that there needed to be a "very strong, robust and united response to deal with the threat of Russian aggression, guided by the principles of deterrence and diplomacy".

Conor McGinn said: "Even before its illegal invasion of Ukraine, I have consistently opposed the Putin regime.

"I consider being sanctioned by it as a badge of honour, and I hope and believe that people in St Helens will feel the same way as we stand with the people of Ukraine.”

MP's from across the political spectrum have had similar opinions to their sanctioning - which includes some people who are no longer sitting MPs.

Boris Johnson said MPs should wear the sanctioning as a "badge of honour"

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Johnson said: “It’s I think no disrespect to those who haven’t been sanctioned, when I say that all those 287 should regard it as a badge of honour.

“And 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.

“That’s what this country is doing, and that has the overwhelming support, I think, of the whole House.”