Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MP Barry: It’s time to send in our troops

VETERAN POLITICIAN CALLS FOR BRITISH ARMY INTERVENTI­ON TO STOP PUTIN

- By PHOEBE TONKS editorial@examiner.co.uk @examiner

HUDDERSFIE­LD MP Barry Sheerman has called upon the government to send British troops to Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion.

The veteran MP, who has represente­d the constituen­cy for over 40 years, said: “It is my view that this is the moment that we wake up and send our troops into key cities in Ukraine to prevent Russia encircling this brave nation.”

Up until now, the British government has largely led a non-confrontat­ional show of support to Ukraine, by imposing economic and political sanctions on aggressors Russia, who invaded the country last month.

However, these sanctions will offer little comfort to the men, women and children who have been forced from their homes to escape a brutal and unrelentin­g barrage of attacks.

In response to the Mr Sheerman’s social media message, many people shared their own thoughts on the possibilit­y of any future military aid from the United Kingdom.

“You are correct Barry,” said Vinny James. “People have short memories. Four weeks ago Putin was amassing vast numbers of troops on the Ukrainian border for a ‘training exercise.’

“We must learn from history. The appeasemen­t of Hitler nearly cost Western Europe dearly.”

Peter Thomas also weighed in, saying: “As you will see from the responses people think that saying I stand with Ukraine is enough.

“If Putin takes Ukraine he won’t stop there so if we won’t get directly involved we have to provide the equipment that they have been asking for, planes and air defence systems.”

Patrick O’Connor also agreed. He said: “I agree, the cost of life could be much worse if we don’t.”

This was also a sentiment echoed by Matthew Slyman who said: “Ukraine deserves victory. Beyond collective defence, NATO must show its value by defending prospectiv­e members from RU strategy of frozen conflicts.”

But not everyone was convinced, with some urging Mr Sheerman to stop offering up British lives without offering his own - despite the MP already being in his 80s.

Karen Simpson said: “Off you go then, the Ukraine has said anyone wanting to fight will be welcome, Priti Patel has said there will be no criminal charges for doing so and I’m sure we’d all be happy to crowd fund your travel costs.”

Andrew Beck said: “Sorry Barry. I’m not sure resistance is doing any good for Ukraine, the territory or the people. Vichy France might have been less honourable but it kept more people alive”

Other commenters were also quick to point out that while Ukraine was in need of support, no such military aid had been offered to other countries under siege.

Sharing her thoughts @liz6153 asked Mr Sheerman: “You volunteeri­ng for the front line, very good of you? You also volunteeri­ng to protect the Palestinia­ns, the people of Yemen, Donbass?”

Other commenters, such as @Jamie_Harte71 said “Disagree... Though we should send air defence and send in drones to take out missile bases, tanks and shelling gun racks.

“None of our troops should set foot on Ukraine soil... We must abide by NATO policy.”

What do you think?

Write to: Feedback at letters@examiner.co.uk or Huddersfie­ld Daily Examiner, Office 6, Photon House, Percy Street, Leeds, LS12 1EG

 ?? ?? British artillery troops in action in Afghanista­n and, inset, Huddersfie­ld MP Barry Sheerman
British artillery troops in action in Afghanista­n and, inset, Huddersfie­ld MP Barry Sheerman

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