Putin-linked billionaires could be stripped of British citizenship

A foreign minister has admitted that the government could consider stripping the UK citizenship of pro-Putin billionaires.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, who serves as the minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth, told peers this afternoon that the government is “looking at the full picture”.

Quizzed a Labour frontbencher in the House of Lords earlier today, Lord Ahmad explained: “I agree the issue of asset flight is an important consideration.

“That is why we are reluctant in announcing in advance, particularly on individuals and organisations,” he went on.

Chelsea Football Club owner and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich is a key figure the government has faced pressure to sanction.
A No 10 spokesperson said this afternoon that the government had not been officially notified of Abramovich’s plans to sell off the club.