The Liberal Democrats have written to the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, calling on him to publish legal advice provided to the government on potential seizures of frozen Russian assets held in Britain.
In the letter, Ben Maguire MP, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Attorney General, repeated his party’s calls for frozen Russian assets to be used to fund Ukraine’s defence, rather than just the profits from those assets – as is currently the case.
He called on Lord Hermer to publish legal advice that has been provided to the government ‘as a matter of urgency.’
Lord Hermer has been the subject of repeated criticisms since he began his role as the government’s top lawyer.
His colleague, Labour peer Lord Glasman, last month labelled him ‘the absolute archetype of an arrogant, progressive fool’ in an interview in the New Statesman.
Read the Lib Dem’s full letter below:
Dear Rt Hon Lord Hermer KC,
As Ukraine continues to resist Russia’s barbaric invasion, it is vital that the UK – together with our allies in the G7 and Europe – double down on our financial and military support for Kyiv.
Currently, the profits accruing from frozen Russian assets across the UK are being used to fund Ukraine’s resistance. This is the right thing to do.
It is essential, however, that the UK goes further and faster. US President Trump’s decision to suspend military aid supplies and intelligence sharing with the Armed Forces of Ukraine makes it imperative that we do more, now, to contribute to Kyiv’s defence.
The Liberal Democrats have argued that the UK should seize the frozen Russian assets in this country – totalling around £23 billion, according to the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (2023) – and direct this funding to Ukraine’s defence.
As Attorney General, will you – as a matter of urgency – publish the legal advice that you have provided to the UK Government in relation to the proposed seizure of frozen Russian assets?
It is vital that Parliament has the opportunity to scrutinise the legal advice on this crucial issue, so the UK can then make the right choice for Ukraine.
Kind regards,
Ben Maguire MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Attorney General
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