Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he will expedite visa applications for Russian human rights defenders, journalists and civil society activists wishing to visit the UK to discuss the human rights situation in Russia; and whether the Government will provide temporary visas for sanctuary, or full asylum, for Russian human rights defenders and journalists who need to leave Russia due to concerns for their safety.

All visa applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with UK immigration rules and guidance.

As a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, the UK fully considers all asylum claims lodged in the UK. We do not consider asylum claims lodged outside UK territory and there is no provision in the Immigration Rules to allow someone to travel to the UK for temporary protection or to claim asylum. We recognise the continuing concerns of key partners domestically and internationally around the human rights situation in Russia, and we remain committed to continuing engagement with them on this issue.