Quote Originally Posted by rory_20_uk View Post
Which law would enable the confiscation of these assets? Or is it just a crime to be a rich Russian? Does UK law apply in other sovereign state now? Bring back the Star Court... And this does raise the question of why the UK didn't do this in any other case where something illegal happened. The rule of law when it suits I suppose.

And then if these assets were to be taken, what would stop all UK assets being taken in Russia - not to mention court cases here and abroad.

Truly, an approach stolen from the headlines of the Daily Mail.

The UK government proudly announced sanctions against 5 Russian banks and 3 Russian oligarchs at the start of all this, so it's not a matter of principle; it was possible, as they'd shown. The French government is seizing assets I think, so it's not outlandish as far as western European law goes. And at the very least, those on the Navalny list should be targeted, with some of them already internationally sanctioned even before this.

Also, what do you think of the money from Russian oligarchs paid to the Tory party? Cleverly and Truss, among others, have said that there is nothing untoward about this, and that they're not handing it back. Is there a law against this as well, or a matter of principle? Chernukhin, she who paid 150k for a tennis match with Boris Johnson, and she who's married to a former Putin minister, donated something like 80k to the Tories late last year. Do you think this is completely above board? Or the other Russian donors to the Tory party, none of whom faced any sanctions at the time the Tory government boasted it was leading the way against Russia (but other oligarchs who hadn't recently donated to the Tories did face sanctions).

All completely above board, despite inconsistencies in application of nebulous principles. All is ok as long as you pay the Tory party.