Lib Dems demand publication of legal advice on seizing frozen Russian assets
EMBARGO: Immediate Release
The Liberal Democrats have written to the UK Attorney General, calling on him to publish the legal advice provided to the Government regarding seizing the frozen Russian assets held in the UK.
The call comes as pressure mounts on the Government to seize the assets and use them to fund support for Ukraine – made all the more critical by President Trump’s reckless decision to suspend military aid and intelligence sharing with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ben Maguire, the Liberal Democrat Shadow Attorney General, has written to the UK Attorney General Richard Hermer demanding he publish the legal advice underpinning the Government’s decision making around the potential seizure of the assets.
The complex legal nature of the seizure of the assets in full has been used by Ministers to explain their reluctance to date to seize the assets. Maguire has urged the Government to “make his reasoning public” – calling for “proper scrutiny” of the decision as Ukraine’s military capacity to resist Putin is undermined by the White House.
Trump’s decisions to cut aid to Ukraine and ban the UK from sharing military intelligence with the besieged nation have “crippled” Zelensky’s defence effort, Maguire said.
Ben Maguire MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Attorney General, said:
“Zelensky’s besieged nation has been crippled by Trump’s callous approach to Ukraine’s defence. From cutting aid to banning intelligence sharing at the drop of a hat, it’s clear we need a plan B to halt Putin’s brutal invasion.
“We know that the UK holds billions in frozen Russian assets – capital that could transform Kyiv’s defence effort and counteract the reckless decisions coming from the White House. We’ve rightly seized the interest on these assets, but it’s time for Britain to go further and faster.
“That’s why I’m calling on the UK Attorney General to make his reasoning public, and publish his legal advice to the Government on seizing the frozen assets in full. We need the chance to properly scrutinise the decision-making on this crucial issue, so the UK can then make the right choice for Ukraine.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
Please find the 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