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Boris Johnson fails to provide further details of meeting with ex-KGB agent Alexander Lebedev | Politics News


Questions remained about Boris Johnson’s dealings with former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev after he failed to provide more details about the meeting.

The Prime Minister admitted to MPs at the Powerful Liaison Committee on July 6 that he had “definitely” met with the Russian oligarch and the owner of the Evening Standard then the Foreign Minister, in the absence of officials. office.

However, he said he would have to go back to the committee to let them know about the exact date he was asked, which he said was in Italy.

He said it was a “personal engagement” and would provide more details in a letter.

Foreign Secretary Vicky Ford also told the Commons in early July that she “thinks” Mr Johnson was referring to the meeting with civil servants, which prompted Labor to brand the Prime Minister “risk to the country”.

Mr Johnson has now sent a letter to the committee confirming that he attended a “social event” in April 2018 at his home. Evgeny LebedevThe son of Alexander, who is now in the Lords, is in Italy and claims that he has stayed overnight there.

“As far as I know, no government business is discussed,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister gave a list of actions he had taken against Russian aggression and also highlighted how Labour’s shadow cabinet had held a number of meetings and socializing with Lord Lebedev.

He said he met Lebedev’s senior at the event in Italy and said it was “not a formal meeting, nor something pre-arranged”.

The prime minister said officials knew in advance “that I was attending a social event”.

“Contrary to some reports, my visit is in line with security protocols established under successive foreign secretaries,” he added.

“It would not be normal practice for civil servants or security personnel to accompany me to such a private, social occasion.

“I didn’t carry any papers from the Ministry.”

Former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev.  Photo: AP
Picture:
Former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev was at his son’s party, where Boris Johnson was staying. Photo: AP

He said ministers must pass on any important content back to the State Department if they find themselves discussing official business without the official’s presence at a social occasion.

“That’s not necessary in this case,” Johnson wrote.

“As far as I know, no government business is discussed.”

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner said Mr Johnson’s letter raised more questions and accused him of putting “people in jeopardy” with his carelessness.

“The prime minister claimed the meeting was not pre-arranged and also said that officials were informed in advance, but he still can’t seem to remember if he discussed government business,” she said. speak.

“This letter shows that the Prime Minister has something to hide. He did not answer whether a private phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was settled or explained the presence of a guest. declared and undefined.

“As secretary of state, Boris Johnson’s carelessness with his words puts everyone at risk. Every day he hangs on there is new evidence of the threat to national security he poses. out.”

Lord Lebedev Pic: Parliament.tv
Picture:
Lord Lebedev has been in the House of Lords since 2020. Photo: Parliament.tv

In his letter to the committee, Mr Johnson wrote how he expelled Russian diplomats and intelligence officers over the Salisbury poisoning while he was secretary of state.

He also mentioned helping to impose sanctions against Russians “responsible for hostile and malicious activity”.

Mr Johnson listed the action he had taken as prime minister against Russia over Ukraine and also how Lord Lebedev had “voiced when criticizing the Putin regime”.

The Prime Minister also mentioned how Labor Party records show the “considerable attachment” of the shadow cabinet to Lord Lebedev “and his attendance at social events”.

He said that included meetings with Chris Bryant, chair of the Standards Committee, and Shadow House Secretary Yvette Cooper “both of whom have raised the issue of my involvement in recent weeks”.



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