Cancelling the ‘Golden Visa’ scheme which allows rich foreigners and Russian oligarchs to by-pass the rules is long overdue

It has taken the threat of a defeat in Parliament to get the Government to act on the "golden visa" scheme. In the House of Lords the Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment to the nationality and borders bill requiring the scheme was stopped until a full review was published.

An Intelligence and Security Committee report warned that a lack of checks has meant illegal cash could flow into the UK from Russia.

Responding to the cancelling of the 'Golden Visa' scheme, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Layla Moran MP commented:

"The Conservatives have turned a blind eye to Russian interference in this country for years and had an open door policy to Kremlin cronies.

"Shockingly this Government still hasn't published a report about the possible misuse of golden visas.

"Cancelling the scheme is long overdue, it shouldn't have taken the threat of a defeat in Parliament to finally get this Government to act.

"They must publish this report immediately and take urgent steps to tackle the influence of Russian money including a public register of overseas property ownership."