As it emerges that Russian troops have further encroached into Eastern Ukraine, Toby Perkins MP has joined with Labour colleagues to urge the government to be tougher on Putin.

Labour led a cross-party push for tougher sanctions in the Commons against Mr Putin and Russia. Currently, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson has committed to sanctions on five Russian banks and on three individuals.

Many have called these measures inadequate and for more to be done with Toby asking the PM “Will he ensure that they know that the resolute opinion of this House is that the sanctions that have happened so far are only a start, and that much stronger action needs to come for the sake of Ukraine and for the sake of President Putin getting that message?“

Toby said “It is important that we stand up against any aggression and denial of self-determination for a country and its people. It is important that a strong message is sent to Mr Putin and that those linked to his human rights abuses and aggression cannot benefit in the UK. I am calling for more action from the Prime Minister.”

He continued “Keir Starmer insists that sanctions need to be stronger and need to be happening sooner. A lot of dirty Russian money ends in London and we are uniquely placed to restrict Putin’s warmongering, but we must show a zero tolerance approach to Russian influence and introduce tighter sanctions.”