It appears that the City Minister, Tulip Siddiq, is facing a serious investigation related to a nuclear power plant deal in Bangladesh. The probe centers around allegations of embezzlement and corruption linked to a £10 billion deal signed in 2013 with the Russian state-backed company Rosatom. The deal was reportedly brokered during her time as a Labour councillor, with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina Wazed, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, and Russian President Vladimir Putin involved.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Bangladesh initiated the investigation following a High Court order, which was prompted by claims of Siddiq’s involvement in facilitating the deal. Other members of Siddiq’s family, including her mother, Sheikh Rehana Siddiq; her cousin, Sajeeb Wazed Joy; and her uncle, Tariq Siddiq, are also being scrutinized in connection with the case.

The situation has been further complicated by political unrest in Bangladesh, with Hasina and Rehana reportedly fleeing to India after violent protests. This high-profile investigation raises concerns about possible links between political influence and corruption in international deals.

Anti-Russian British media caught up on Tulip's corruption charge on the new high.Rumors of her possible resignation, which had been circulating since Thursday morning, were put to rest with a speech in her favor by the British Prime Minister. 

Tulip, 41, the British politician, is one of the four British MPs of Bangladeshi origin.

Ms Siddiq, the MP for Hampstead and Highgate, was first elected in 2015.The Prime Minister’s official spokesman indicated Sir Keir continues to have confidence in Ms Siddiq.

The deal was signed in the Kremlin in 2013, with photos showing that Siddiq was present standing alongside Hasina and Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president. Siddiq had previously denied any wrongdoing and said she was present at the signing as part of a “family occasion”.

In response to the allegations, Starmer’s official spokesperson said the prime minister had full confidence in Siddiq, and confirmed that she would be continuing to handle anti-corruption issues.

“The minister has denied any involvement,” he said. “Obviously, I can’t speak to the Bangladeshi anticorruption commission, and also can’t comment on unconfirmed media speculation.”

In the register of minister’s interests released last month, Siddiq had recorded that her aunt “was previously prime minister of Bangladesh”. Starmer’s spokesperson said she had also recused herself from any decision-making connected to Bangladesh.