"Putin has banned me from Russia. It’s a badge of pride."

Malcolm Rifkind is one of Britain's most experienced foreign policy voices. He served as both Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, spanning two full prime ministerships, and went on to chair the Intelligence and Security Committee, overseeing the work of MI5, MI6, and GCHQ.

In 1997, he was knighted in recognition of his public service. He has been highly critical of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and has advocated that Britain expand its own military.

"Malcolm Rifkind was in the top rank of twentieth-century politicians. Few saw events at closer quarters" — John Major