Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a firestorm of criticism and serious national security concerns after it was revealed he accepted a colossal fee to address a Russian state-owned bank with deep ties to the Kremlin.
The controversial speech, for which he was reportedly paid an astonishing £277,000, was delivered at a lavish conference in Goa, India, organised by VTB Bank. This financial institution is not only state-controlled but has been a prime target of severe Western sanctions following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
A Question of Judgement and Timing
What makes the transaction particularly incendiary is its timing. The event took place mere weeks after Mr Johnson attended the King's official birthday celebration at Windsor Castle, a gathering of the UK's most senior establishment figures.
This sequence of events has led to accusations of breathtaking hypocrisy and a severe error in judgement. Critics argue that cashing a cheque from a Putin-linked entity so soon after rubbing shoulders with the Monarch and top military officials shows a blatant disregard for both propriety and national security.
Defiance in the Face of Criticism
When confronted, a spokesperson for Mr Johnson was unrepentant, stating the former leader was "well within his rights" to accept the engagement. They defended the move, arguing he used the platform to deliver a "robust defence of Ukraine and a strong condemnation of the Putin regime."
However, this justification has done little to quell the anger from across the political spectrum. Security experts and MPs have expressed alarm, pointing out that such engagements can be exploited by hostile states for propaganda or intelligence purposes, regardless of the content of the speech itself.
A Pattern of Lucrative Engagements
This is not an isolated incident. Since leaving office, Mr Johnson has embarked on a highly lucrative speaking tour, commanding huge fees on the international circuit. Previous engagements have included a speech at an insurance conference in Colorado for which he was paid £210,000.
Yet, the VTB Bank engagement stands in a league of its own due to the direct source of the funds and the acute geopolitical context. It raises profound questions about the blurred lines between personal enrichment and the ongoing responsibilities of a former Prime Minister who was in office just two years ago.
The scandal threatens to overshadow current government messaging on Ukraine and adds to the ongoing scrutiny of the post-power careers of senior politicians.
