Russia bars entry to dozens more Britons including Starmer, Cameron and Piers Morgan

The British flag is flown next to the British Embassy in Moscow, Russia, on 15 March, 2018.

Russia announced Monday (1 August) sanctions against 39 British politicians and officials. The sanctions prohibit them from entering Russia to support the "demonization" of the country.

The targets include Keir Starmer from the opposition Labour Party, David Cameron's former prime minister, and prominent TV journalists Piers, Robert Peston, and Huw Edwards.

These names will be added to the names of over 200 other Britons that Russia has already expelled, including many of Britain's most prominent politicians.

These travel bans, which mirror those Russia has placed on other Western countries in response to the invasion of Ukraine, are symbolic because relations are already at a low point and it is unlikely that any of the targeted would have planned to visit the country.

The Russian foreign ministry stated that it would continue to add to the list.

It stated in a statement that "Given London’s destructive drive to spin sanctions flywheel on farsighted and absurd pretexts, work on expanding Russia's stop-list will continue."

Separately, the Russian General Prosecutor declared that the Calvert 22 Foundation, an organization for non-profits based in London, had been designated as an "undesirable organization".

It stated in a statement that "it has been established its activity poses a risk to the foundations and the security of Russia Federation".

The organization was established in 2009 by Nonna Materkova, a Russian-born economist. It focuses on arts, culture and history in Russia and Eastern Europe.