Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith has shared his view on the UK’s role against the attacks on the democracy of Ukraine by Russia.
In a piece for the Financial Times at the weekend (27th February), Andrew identified that “without the tidal wave of cash that flowed into Russia after the Iron Curtain tumbled, Vladimir Putin would never have been able to cement his grip on power or build the vast war machine that has been unleased against the people of Ukraine.”
He advises that by “cutting off the most vital supply lines that the free world will seek to both repel the invasion and demonstrate the high price of waging a war against a sovereign state in the 21st century.”
The MP, appointed as a Cabinet Office minister last month, made clear that the actions already taken by the Prime Minster are working.
Last week, Boris Johnson unveiled the largest and most severe package of economic sanctions this country has ever imposed. Freezing Russian assets, barring companies from clearing services, locking out arms manufacturers from global markets, and impacting the finances of Putin’s ogliarchs has sent the rouble plunging to previously uncharted lows, wiping off £250 billion off the Russian stock market in just one morning.
In the article, Andrew Griffith called for UK businesses to act, cautioning “No reputable firm or diligent investor wants to do business, even at the furthest remove, with a regime with blood on its hands.
“So, in addition to the unprecedented action taken in concert with our global allies, I encourage every relevant UK business and financial institution to go further, faster wherever they can. From lawyers, bankers and accountants to real estate agents and insurance brokers — we all share the responsibility to act.”
The MP recognises that the interconnected nature of a globalised economy means that the impact of some sanctions will, inevitably be felt here in the UK too. He advises that “This government will do everything possible to shelter our country, our people and our industries from the impact of such action, but sometimes, even in business, there is no hiding place or middle ground: you have to pick a side.”
Andrew Griffith concluded his article, writing “The world simply cannot afford for Putin to succeed in Ukraine. If this aggression goes unanswered, he will not be the only despot who is emboldened. Ukraine will not be the only territory threatened and violated. The world will become a less stable, less predictable, and less safe place for communities and businesses alike.
“But if we are unwavering in our response, we can starve Putin of the resources he craves. We can undermine the circle of oligarchs who have propped up his regime for so many years. And we can send a message to the world that acts of aggression will end in military, political and financial failure.”
ENDS
- To read the Financial Times article, see https://www.ft.com/content/a7a3c3c2-688f-4c60-af52-ccdce7637b61?shareType=nongift
- Follow Andrew Griffith on Twitter, @griffitha
