The UK Parliament member James MacCleary has introduced an Early Day Motion (EDM) calling for potential sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chair of Georgian Dream Party, in response to his responsibility for Georgia’s democratic backsliding. The motion has already garnered 13 signatures.
According to the information of the UK Parliament, the motion expresses “deep concern at the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process and the increasing use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.” It also condemns Ivanishvili’s role in undermining democracy and enabling Russian influence in Georgia. Noting that the US has already imposed sanctions on him, the motion calls on the UK Government to take similar action to demonstrate a firm stance against democratic backsliding in Georgia.
It also calls for a review of the UK’s strategic partnership with Georgia and advocates for closer coordination with EU partners to counter Russian interference.
“House expresses deep concern at the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process and the increasing use of excessive force against peaceful protesters; condemns the role of Bidzina Ivanishvili in undermining democracy and facilitating Russian influence in Georgia; notes the United States has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and calls on the UK Government to do the same to demonstrate a firm stance against democratic backsliding; urges a review of the UK’s strategic partnership with Georgia and closer coordination with EU partners to counter Russian interference; and reaffirms support for the Georgian people’s democratic aspirations" , - the document reads.
The list of signatories is as follows: James MacCleary (Liberal Democrat), Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party), Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat), Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat), Helen Maguire (Liberal Democrat), David Chadwick (Liberal Democrat), Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat), Taylor Luke (Liberal Democrat), Anna Sabine (Liberal Democrat), Vikki Slade (Liberal Democrat), Pippa Heylings (Liberal Democrat), Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat), John McDonnell (Independent).
