Dominic Raab has defended Boris Johnson's friendship with Russian oligarchs, claiming the Prime Minister is a "very sociable individual".
The deputy Prime Minister, who was standing in for Mr Johnson at PMQs, was roundly mocked by MPs after making the comments in response to a question from Labour' s Matt Western. Mr Western listed Tory donors from Russia such as Lubov Chernukhin, and pointed out that the Prime Minister had celebrated his election victory at a party hosted by former KGB agent Alexander Lebedev.
It is estimated that the Tories have received around £2m from donors who have made money from Russia or Russian individuals since Johnson came to power. Mr Western, channelling Mrs Merton, asked: "'What first attracted the Prime Minister to the billionaire Russian oligarchs?'"
Go here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East
“What I can tell him is the Prime Minister is not just a very social individual", Mr Raab said to deafening laughter. He added: "He wants this country to be open, outward looking to the world."
Following the exchange, Mr Johnson's spokesman said: "It is entirely useful to have a PM who can make good relations with world leaders and others.” Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner later pressed Mr Raab on whether he had ever “overruled or ignored” direct advice from the British security services in relation to a peerage handed to Mr Lebedev's son.
Ms Rayner said: “I’d like to thank all of the people who have been working tirelessly to bring British nationals home from Iran, our diplomatic staff, and our world leading British intelligence agencies.
“The role of the British intelligence today is critical in the face of Putin’s aggression. The Deputy Prime Minister oversaw our foreign intelligence services as foreign secretary. So, can he confirm if at any time he overruled or ignored direct advice from the British security services?”
Mr Raab replied: “What she suggests is nonsense. She’s talking about the House of Lords Appointments Commission. They have a vetting process. I have never overruled intelligence advice and I wouldn’t comment on the details of it.
“What I would say, and would agree with her on the strength, the agility of the British diplomatic service, which time and time again, are the unsung heroes in returning British nationals – often less celebrated cases than this – but I think now is a great opportunity to recognise the heroic work they do.”
