Three North East MP’s have signed a letter lobbying the government to impose further sanctions upon Russian finance in the UK.

In a joint letter to the Prime Minister, sixty-six MPs signed a statement lobbying government to impose further restrictions upon Russian finance.

The statement reads: “While the UK’s efforts to sanction Russia and Freeze ogliarchs’ funds have been applauded around the world, there is still much that can, and must be done to stop the Kremlin’s war machine.”

It adds: “On this solen anniversary, the Government must redouble its efforts.”

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On Twitter, South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck said she is “pleased to sign” the letter that demands a “tougher stance on Russian dirty money.”

MP for Sunderland Central Julie Elliot was another signatory.

In a statement, she said: “A year on since the Russian invasion and occupation of Ukraine, it remains the case that if more can be done, more should be done.”

She added: “We must be simple and clear: Russian dirty money is not welcome in the UK.”

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North Durham MP Kevan Jones also signed the letter. 

He said: "Attacking Putin’s access to finance is a vital part of helping to stop his unwarranted aggression in Ukraine.  It is important that we freeze the assets of all those who have direct links to him and the Russian government."

"Money that should be used towards not only addressing the current humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, but to rebuild the country after the war."

This latest demand comes a year after the conflict began in Ukraine, claiming over 100,000 civilian lives.

On Saturday (February 25th), Prime Minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Ukraine exactly a year after the conflcit began.

On Twitter, he said: “To all Ukrainians, we stand together with you in remembrance, in solidarity, in unity. Slava Ukraini.”