Cole-Hamilton: We must stand up against Putin’s regime

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today stated his party’s commitment to stand up against Putin’s regime, recognise the bravery of those who have defied the Kremlin and support all those fleeing the illegal invasion of Ukraine.

As he joined with Russian dissidents at a gathering in Edinburgh today, Mr Cole-Hamilton called for the UK Government to widen sanctions against those on the “Navalny List”. This is a list of 35 individuals linked to Mr Navalny’s poisoning and imprisonment in 2020.  

The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, who was included on a list of British politicians and journalists banned from entering the Russian federation in 2022, has also called on the SNP Government to deliver transparency on Russian-owned land in Scotland.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“As we reflect on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the life and murder of Alexi Navalny, we must also consider how we, here in the UK, can stand up against Putin’s regime.

“We cannot allow the bravery of all those fleeing the Kremlin’s tyranny, some of whom I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with today, go unheeded.

“To that end, Scottish Liberal Democrats will do everything we can to work with our allies to increase military support to Ukraine and press for tougher sanctions on every individual on the Navalny List. We must act immediately to seize Kremlin money wherever we can find it.

“We must stand in solidarity with Ukraine and all those who have bravely defied Putin."