Marks and Spencer fans say they 'won't shop there again' after BBC Question Time revelation

A discussion on BBC Question Time has caused dismay amongst Marks and Spencer customers as one of the panel revealed that they are not following other western companies and pull out of Russia. Ukraine politician Lesia Vasylenko was on the programme last night to talk about what the UK can do to help the Ukrainian war effort.

However, a throwaway comment about the highstreet chain by the Ukrainian has led to a massive backlash against the brand’s social media. “Every penny spent on Russian goods and Russian services buys bullets that are killing Ukrainian children,” Mrs Vasylenko said, adding that the UK has been very good at cutting economic ties with Russia ‘apart from British tobacco and Marks and Spencer.’

The emotive comment has caused fury amongst M&S ’s customer base with many flooding the company's Instagram with angry comments. “STOP SUPPLYING RUSSIA” one commented on an advert for a handbag.

Mrs Vasylenko bashed the UK brand for remaining in Russia

Another added: “Shame that your shops are still open in Russia!!! Shameful…..” while a third said: “Heard on Question Time last night that you are still operating in Russia so until you stop I’m not shopping from you again.”

Even a post featuring the affable Fred Sirieix wasn't safe from the public’s wrath. A post showing him in the bath has received comments like: “Get out the bath. Get Question Time on. Get out of Russia.”

M&S has responded to earlier criticism with a statement explaining that the reason it has not shut up shop in Russia was to do with a complex franchising system which means Russia and Ukrainian stores held the rights to trade under the firm’s banner.

A spokesperson added: “We suspended deliveries to our franchise licensee’s Russian business two weeks ago and have no plans to reinstate them. We are actively discussing the future of the business with our franchise licensee.”

This doesn’t seem to have been a good enough response for some people with other comments on the retailer’s posts saying: “Close your stores in Russia. Stop hiding behind the franchise issue. I’ve shopped with you all my life but will not buy a single item again until you close your last store.”

The brutal backlash comes after many western brands chose to withdraw from the Russian marketplace most notably Ikea, McDonald’s, Visa, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Apple. When asked if people should boycott Marks and Spencer for its failure to leave Russia Mrs Vasylenko responded “you can make your own conclusions,” but she also stresses that every penny spent on companies that still operate and pay taxes to the Russian government is contributing to the Russian war effort which has seen 700 civilians killed thus far, 52 of whom were children according to the UN.

MyLondon reached out to Marks and Spencer for comment. 

Reference: My London: Rory Bennett