UK must stand with Ukraine in defence of its sovereignty
The weekend’s Eurovision was the usual fabulous spectacle of fun and fabulousness that we have come to expect. Although Liverpool were such marvellous hosts, we couldn’t forget why they were hosting and, as if to underline why, the hometown of Ukraine's Eurovision act was hit by Russian missiles moments before the band took to the stage.
It’s been a full year since my own family was enhanced by two, thanks to the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
A year of mutual suphorror port, laughter, tears, love and friendship.
I have never regretted the decision to open our doors in this way.
But, while the media coverage has dwindled over the past 12 months, their presence has been a constant reminder of the violence and that continue to play out on the other side of Europe.
We must do everything we can to help Ukraine gain the decisive advantage they need on the battlefield to liberate their country as soon as possible and stop Russia’s barbaric attacks on innocent civilians.
As Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said in Parliament, by 2 April, there had been
788 attacks on healthcare facilities - hospitals, clinics, medical centres, damage to educational faculties – schools, day care centres and nurseries.
It is clear from these attacks that Russia have not limited themselves to military targets - their purpose is simply to terrorise the local population into submission.
That is why the UK has made the decision to give them the additional Storm Shadow long-range strike capability that will allow them to push back Russian forces based within Ukrainian Sovereign Territory.
This week President Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, at Chequers to discuss the UK’s ongoing support for Ukraine.
Our country has a proud history of defending the values of freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and the protection of civilians around the world – we must continue to stand with Ukraine and support them for as long as it takes in defence of their sovereign country.