Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what his policy is on Russia’s continuing membership of international educational bodies of which the UK is also a member; and if he will make a statement.

The United Kingdom stands united with partners in condemning President Putin’s outrageous attack on Ukraine as a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. President Putin must urgently de-escalate and withdraw his troops. He must be held accountable and stop undermining democracy, global stability, and international law.

While President Putin continues to violate international law, human rights and multiple commitments to peace and security, the government will, together with its allies, work to isolate on the international stage. Action has already been taken in some bodies. For example, the Council of Europe voted on 25 February to suspend Russia. The UK and over 50 countries staged a walk out of the UN Human Rights Council as Russia’s Foreign Minister started speaking on 1 March 2022. Given the varied nature of the multilateral system, even within a specific sector such as education, the government will need to approach this on a case-by-case basis, while being consistently clear that it condemns President Putin’s appalling actions.

The government continues to stand ready for dialogue with Russia within the multilateral system if it serves the purpose of ending bloodshed in Ukraine, defending the sovereignty of Ukraine and upholding international law.

The department is aware of a number of international education organisations that have taken the step of suspending Russia’s activities and we stand united with this approach.