Open letter addressing the allegations that half of the Russians in the UK are "spies" made in the report by the Henry Jackson Society and featured in the British media.

There comes a point that breaks the camel’s back.

Like any immigrant community, the Russians living in the UK have experienced their share of prejudice in the past, but the line of what can be tolerated has been crossed this week by a highly damaging, dangerous assertion, made with no proof whatsoever, that half of the Russians living in the UK are “spies” and “informants” in a sloppy report, produced by the Henry Jackson Society (HJS). It was then carried by all the major newspapers, including The Times, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, the City AM, and others.

From the report: “Out of an estimated population of 150,000 Russian ex-pats living in London, up to half are said to be FSB, GRU, or SVR informants – potentially, some 75,000 assets.”

While it is entirely plausible, even likely, that there is an increase in the number of the Russian intelligence agents in the UK territory - and only British security services can answer that question and deal with the culprits - it is completely unacceptable for the report’s authors and for the national media (that carried the report with misleading headlines) to label the entire Russian community in Britain as “spies”.

Here are some of the headlines the HSJ report has generated:

“Half of the Russians in London are spies, claims new report” – the Telegraph.

“Half of us are informants, say Russian expats in UK” – the Times.

“Londongrad: Explosion in number of Russian spies in UK” – CityAM

Saying that “half” of the Russians in this country are spies implies that the likelihood of absolutely any Russian person you know of being “a spy” is very, very high. Think of the implications of such a suggestion. Think how it makes us feel to be called that when the majority of us are innocent people who are in this country legally, working, contributing to the community and raising families.

It is not only shocking and unkind, it is highly damaging for the Russians here. It encourages paranoia not only within the community but amongst the British people interacting with us. It ostracises the Russians in London, the city we love and that so many of us made our home.

We would like to draw your attention to the “said to be” line in that extract – the report’s authors spoke only to 16 people, some of whom are Russian and made that speculative remark about half of the Russians being spies. Interestingly, Vladimir Ashurkov, who was quoted and had his photo featured by the papers alongside those imaginary "stats", categorically denies ever suggesting that number. Now is it OK for that paranoid view of some random person, whoever they might be, to then make the national headlines as if it’s true, as if it's a fact, with absolutely no proof behind it? Isn’t it a little bit... irresponsible?

Russophobia is not an empty word, it directly affects people’s lives, and it’s disheartening to see it in the papers of what is now our country, too.  

Many of us came to live in the UK because we love this country. The reasons for such affection vary. Many appreciate that this is a real democracy with freedom of speech, a country with a functioning judicial system, whilst others are here because they value British education, view this country as a safe refuge, or are simply anglophiles in love with British culture. Many Russians have families, friends and jobs here.

The HSJ report’s author, Andrew Foxall, publically agreed on Twitter, following the outcry within the community, that replacing the word “Russians with the word Jews or Muslims, is a straightforward case of xenophobia on top of being a blatant lie.”

So, why should the Russians in the UK put up with such smears? Smears that can - and do - damage our careers, relationships, friendships and other social interactions.

The Henry Jackson Society, we would like an immediate apology to the Russian community in London.

We would be grateful if the papers publish this open letter that makes our grievance with one particular aspect of the HJS report clear.  

It would also be appreciated if the UK politicians start noticing that this country is now home for many Russians, and we must be treated with respect that you'd expect towards any UK resident. Why has not a single politician stood up for us when our community is being smeared?

There must be a responsible approach, based on facts, not wild speculations, no matter how tempting the catchy headline might be. Please, stop the inflammatory rhetoric. Enough is enough.