Northwich MP Mike Amesbury has raised concerns over the ‘undue influence’ of Vladimir Putin and some wealthy Russians on British politics.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday (Wednesday) before the Russian invasion of Ukraine got underway, Mr Amesbury claimed fears had been raised by British security services about the possible reach of the Russian leader and some Russians into both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Addressing ministers during an opposition day debate on countering Russian aggression and tackling illicit finance, MP for Weaver Vale Mr Amesbury said: “Does the Minister share the concerns of our security services that Putin and Russian individuals who happen to be Tory donors could have undue influence in this House or the other place (House of Lords)?"

Amanda Milling, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, replied: “We are conscious of all influences from different states.

"I will come on to some of the measures that the Government have taken to combat illicit finance and some measures that we will take forward.”

The Prime Minister recently announced he was sanctioning five Russian banks and three oligarchs, freezing their UK assets and banning travel to Britain in what he called the ‘first barrage’ of measures, but some MPs claimed Boris Johnson had not gone far enough.

But despite the efforts of the UK government and others to try and deter Russian aggression against Ukraine, a full blown invasion is now reported to be underway.

Explosions have been heard in the capital city of Kyiv, as well as Kharkiv and Odessa, and with Russian forces said to have breached the border in at least four locations.