Lords debate role of Russia and Former Soviet States in maintaining international law and democratic principles

The debate will be opened by Baroness Falkner of Margravine, who said:

“Ultra-nationalism, authoritarianism, xenophobia, predatory capitalism, gross human rights violations, and a stealthy expansion of the state at home; all of these are there for us to see in Russia - a European country.  Add to that list belligerent action against neighbouring states, annexation, the use of hybrid warfare, cyber warfare, targeted assassinations abroad and disappearances of people, and you have the new normal as the projection of Russian power.   

“For 140 million ordinary Russians it has been coming for some time, but now Ukrainians are also paying for Putin's imperialism, with the invasion and occupation of Crimea. In Russia, independent media is being crushed under new laws specifically designed to supress media freedom and to bring down the independent network. Civil society groups have been targeted, and even wealthy, high-profile critics of Russia are imprisoned or beaten to death, as the President relies on advice from hardliners committed to authoritarianism at home and confrontation with the West.

“Through this debate, I look forward to hearing what the Minister can say about the relations we have with all the countries involved in uniting behind the sanctions against Russia, including China. I believe that in order to build better relations all round, we cannot leave any one nation to Russian influence alone.”

Other members scheduled to speak include:

• Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, Chairman, Centre for European Reform and Vice President, European Policy Centre;
• Lord Alderdice, Chairman and Director of the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building;
• Lord Owen, Director of the Center for International Humanitarian Co-operation;
• Baroness Williams of Crosby, Board Member of the Moscow School of Political Studies;
• Lord Bach, Shadow Spokesperson for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs;  
• Lord Cromwell, Director of The Britain-Russia Centre;
• Lord Giddens, Member of the Council for the Future of Europe;
• Lord Truscott, Parliamentary Ambassador for the Russian Federation and Former Soviet Union at the British Council; and
• The Earl of Sandwich, member of the Lords External Affairs EU Sub-Committee. 

Lord Watson of Richmond, Lord Moynihan, Lord Howell of Guildford, Lord Anderson of Swansea, Baroness Turner of Camden, Baroness Suttie, Baroness Hodgson of Abinger and Lord Cormack are also expected to take part.

Lady Anelay of St Johns will respond on behalf of the Government.