Tory MP backs calls for Marks & Spencer stores in Russia to close
A Conservative MP has backed calls for dozens of Marks & Spencer stores across Russia to be shut immediately, suggesting Vladimir Putin is funnelling every rouble made in the country into the invasion of Ukraine.
Alicia Kearns, who hosted four Ukrainian parliamentarians in the House of Commons on Thursday, said any profits generated would be tainted by the killings and war crimes committed during the conflict.
Two weeks ago, M&S stopped supplying its Turkish franchisee’s businesses in Russia, which has 48 shops and 1,200 employees. However the stores remain open and continue to sell their existing stock.
Some other chains that operate in Russia by franchise, such as McDonald’s, have been able to close their doors, given the agreements differ between companies.
Alyona Shkrum, a Ukrainian MP who met senior UK government figures including the prime minister, Boris Johnson, on Thursday, called for Britain to put more pressure on firms still operating in Russia.
“The UK has been very active in leading – they were one of the first countries with a lot of companies to leave, but there are still three big companies who haven’t left,” she said, adding: “Marks & Spencer has not left Russia.”
Shkrum said all money generated in Russia “goes just to the army” and added that there had been several reports of invading troops raping Ukrainian women.
Another Ukrainian MP, Maria Mezentseva, added: “Everything that is contributed to the Russians is coming back severely with bloody bullets to innocent Ukrainians.”
Kearns backed the call for all M&S shops in Russia to close and raised concern about the reports of “sexual violence” committed by soldiers. Referencing the M&S advertising slogan, she said: “This isn’t just any food, it’s blood and rape
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