BRAINTREE’S MP has announced the Government are issuing fresh sanctions against Russia.

James Cleverly, who was recently made the Minister of State for Europe, has signed off a new law to allow give the Government “power to impose tough new sanctions against Russia”.

It comes as tensions rise on the Ukrainian border as the UK Government try to find a diplomatic solution to the escalating threats with around 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders.

Mr Cleverly told the Commons last Thursday: “As Minister for Europe, I have signed that legislation which we will lay before Parliament and intend to come into force this afternoon.

“We are toughening and expanding our sanctions regime in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

“This legislation will significantly broaden the range of people, businesses and other entities that we can sanction in response to any further Russian aggression.”

A statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added: “The Government now has the power to impose tough new sanctions against Russia, after legislation was laid in Parliament today as part of measures to urge the Kremlin to end its campaign of aggression in Ukraine.”