TWELVE MPs from across Sussex are among almost 300 to be banned from entering Russia for “whipping up Russophobic hysteria” in retaliatory sanctions announced by the Kremlin.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced it was taking action against 287 members of the House of Commons in response to sanctions made by the British government against Russian politicians.

Among those on the list are Hove MP and shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle, Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Lewes MP and Health Minister Maria Caulfield, Chichester MP and Mental Health Minister Gilligan Keegan, and East Worthing MP Tim Loughton.

A translation of a statement reported by state-owned Russian news agency RIA Novosti said the sanctions were being applied “on the basis of reciprocity”.

It said: “These persons, who are now banned from entering the Russian Federation, took the most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London and contribute to the groundless whipping up of Russophobic hysteria in the UK.

“The hostile rhetoric and far-fetched accusations coming from the lips of British parliamentarians not only condone the hostile course of London, aimed at demonising our country and its international isolation, but are also used by opponents of a mutually respectful dialogue with Russia to undermine the foundation of bilateral co-operation.”

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss announced sanctions against the Russian parliament, the Duma, on March 11.

Full list of sanctioned Sussex MPs

  • Huw Merriman, Bexhill and Battle
  • Nicholas Gibb, Bognor and Littlehampton
  • Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Brighton Kemptown
  • Gilligan Keegan, Chichester
  • Henry Smith, Crawley
  • Tim Loughton, East Worthing and Shoreham
  • Jeremy Quin, Horsham
  • Peter Kyle, Hove
  • Maria Caulfield, Lewes
  • Mims Davis, Mid Sussex
  • Nusrat Ghani, Wealden
  • Peter Bottomley, Worthing West

Only four MPs from Sussex, including Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas, are not on the sanctions list.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the MPs hit by the sanctions “should regard it as a badge of honour”, with many politicians welcoming their inclusion on the list.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Johnson said: “It’s I think no disrespect to those who haven’t been sanctioned when I say that all those 287 should regard it as a badge of honour.

“And what we will do is keep up our robust and principled support for the Ukrainian people and their right to protect their lives, their families, and to defend themselves.

“That’s what this country is doing, and that has the overwhelming support, I think, of the whole House.”

All 12 Sussex MPs on the list have been contacted for comment.