Downing Street lobby briefing on Russian visas, Scottish independence and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe
3 min read
At a briefing for journalists today a Downing Street spokesman was asked about Russian visas, Scottish independence and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe.
Asked if the Government had taken action on dirty Russian money flowing into the UK, the spokesman said: "The UK has taken a leading role in the global fight against illicit finance and criminals should be in no doubt we will come for them their assets and their money. We are determined to drive dirty money and the money launderers out of the UK and we will use all the powers we have including the the new powers in the Criminal Finance Act to clamp down on those who threaten our security. It is for our independent law enforcement agencies and ultimately the courts to enforce these powers but this Government will continue to take all necessary steps to keep this country safe. I should add that since the proceeds of crime act was introduced over £2.2bn has been taken off criminals."
Asked if any extra measures had been taken since the Salisbury attack, the spokesman said: "I think that work is underway in terms of reviewing Tier 1 investor visas. In 2014 and 2015 we took action to tighten up the Tier 1 investor route including the introduction of new powers to refuse applications where there are reasonable grounds to believe funds have been obtained unlawfully, and as a result of these reforms applications reduced by 84%. We are currently taking another look at how the route operates and are undertaking further checks on investors who came to the UK through this route before the reforms were introduced."
Asked about whether the fresh look at the policy had affected the visa of Russian tycoon Roman Abramovitch, the spokesman said: "We don’t discuss individual cases."
Asked if it could lead to delays in the process of issuing visas to Russians, the spokesman said: "There are obviously many different types of visas which are issued in different circumstances. You are right, that’s a point we made at the time [of the diplomatic expulsions in the wake of the Salisbury attack] and the Russians took the decision to close that processing centre. But in terms of the specific categories of visas I don’t have anything additional."
He added: "I think the amount of time it takes will obviously be based upon the circumstances of each individual applications and making sure the proper checks are carried out."
SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE
Asked about Nicola Sturgeon suggesting she will launch a new drive for Scottish independence this week, the spokesman said: "Now is not the time for another divisive independence referendum and there is not appetite for one. People of Scotland voted decisively in 2014 to remain part of the United Kingdom and that should be respected."
NAZANIN ZAGHARI-RATCLIFFE
Asked about reports jailed British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is facing new charges in Iran, the spokesman said: "In relation to this the FCO is urgently seeking more information from the Iranian authorities the UK government remains committed to doing everything possible to help secure Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s release and alleviate her suffering."
