Georgian Parliament official says UK’s new bill mirrors policies it once opposed in Georgia

Mariam Lashkhi, the chair of the Georgian Parliament’s education, science, and youth affairs committee, on Saturday criticised what she described as “double standards” from the United Kingdom regarding legislative measures on national security.

Lashkhi commented on the UK government’s decision to fast-track legislation aimed at countering hostile activities. According to her, similar initiatives previously adopted by Georgia to safeguard sovereignty and protect citizens from external influence had drawn criticism from foreign partners, particularly from Britain.

“We remember how foreigners assessed Georgia’s steps when it introduced similar changes to protect its sovereignty and security, and to shield its population from hostile influence. We especially remember the criticism from Britain. Today, however, we see them initiating legislative changes based on the same principles”, she said.

She further argued that the current British initiative demonstrated inconsistency in the approaches of some Western partners.

“This is not only a double standard - I think it is a lack of standards altogether, when you criticise others for something that you yourself initiate shortly afterward”, Lashkhi concluded.