Boris Johnson dodges Roman Abramovich question over Chelsea ownership during PMQs

Prime Minister Boris Johnson refused to be drawn on individual sanctions for Roman Abramovich during PMQs this afternoon after he was quizzed about the Russian’s ownership of Chelsea.

The UK government has imposed sanctions on as many as 235 individuals since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, with the government targeting those associated with Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Abramovich, 55, owns Chelsea and has a number of properties in London. On Saturday, he announced his intention to step back from the club by handing ‘stewardship’ of its control into the hands of six individuals, while he’s said to have put the club up for sale in the last 24 hours.

Labour leader Keir Starmer kicked off PMQs by asking Johnson about sanctions on Abramovich, raising the fact that Johnson had last week promised punishment for the Russian.

For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live

‘Roman Abramovich is the owner of Chelsea Football Club and various other high-value assets in the United Kingdom,’ said Starmer. ‘He’s a person of interest to the Home Office because of his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices. ‘Last week, the Prime Minister said that Abramovich is facing sanctions, he later corrected the record to say he isn’t. Well, why on earth isn’t he?’ Johnson, though, said it was ‘not appropriate’ to discuss individual cases and he insisted the government will be going further in the coming days to impose sanctions.

‘It’s not appropriate for me to comment on individual cases at this stage,’ said Johnson. ‘I stand Mr Speaker by what I said in the House. Be in no doubt about the actions we have taken are taking an effect in Moscow by sanctioning 235