Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone calls for Russia to be denied Champions League final showcase in show of support over invasion of Ukraine
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EASTER Ross MP Jamie Stone has called for the plug to be pulled on plans to stage the Champions League final in St Petersburg.
The MP - who is also Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Culture and Sport - made his remarks amid developing events in Ukraine.
He has today tabled a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to make representations to UEFA to relocate the 2022 Champions League final, due to take place on May 28, from the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg to Wembley Stadium.
The motion comes after Mr Stone wrote a letter to Culture and Sport Secretary, Nadine Dorries, calling on her to lobby UEFA to strip Russia of the privilege of hosting the Finals.
The Lib Dems say this is a necessary move unless Russia steps down from their current position, call back their troops, and seek diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis. Stone is also pressing the Government to light up the prolific stadium in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, should the Football Association award the final to Wembley.
Julian Knight, the chair of the DCMS Committee, has also joined the calls to move the final out of Russia.
Mr Stone said: "Moving the Champions League final out of St Petersburg would hit Putin and his cronies where it hurts the most – in their pockets and in their pride. We need to send a clear signal to Russia that they cannot strongarm their neighbours and hope to sportswash their actions.
"It is time to stand up to Putin in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The UK Government must kickstart discussions with our counterparts as to whether holding the final in St. Petersburg is appropriate given Russia’s ongoing aggression.
“Wembley would be the perfect replacement as an illustrious venue for an illustrious event. My party is calling on the Government to ‘get Wembley ready’ without delay and make the case to bring the Champions League showpiece back to the home of football.”
The motion reads: "That this House condemns Vladimir Putin’s aggression towards Ukraine; recognises that the 2022 Champions League final is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg on 28 May 2022; believes that Putin should not be rewarded by allowing this prestigious, widely-viewed sports event to take place in Russia; further believes that the UK must signal to Russia that they cannot expect to sportwash their actions and strongarm their neighbours without consequences; urges the Government to call on UEFA to strip Russia of the final; and calls on the Government, and the Football Association, to prepare Wembley as suitable to host the event."
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