Worcester MP Robin Walker has joined colleagues in condemning the actions of Russia following their invasion of Ukraine. Conservative MPs across the country have been unequivocal in their criticism of the military action against our democratic European ally and have offered direct support to the people of Ukraine.
‘Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an appalling act of unprovoked aggression and it is right that the UK should be at the forefront of both the international sanctions in response and the NATO response. I am glad that our Government has acted swiftly to impose some of the toughest sanctions ever seen on the Russian President and his associates as well as leading efforts to take unprecedented steps to ban Russian use of international financial networks such as SWIFT - the financial infrastructure that enables international currency transactions. Even before the recent events we had a number of sanctions in place on individuals and organisations in Russia associated with the illegal occupation of Ukrainian territory in Crimea and the extra judicial murders of former Russian citizens in the UK. It is right that these have been swiftly strengthened and expanded to include Mr Putin himself, his foreign minister and a long list of banks, oligarchs and institutions that support them. Sanctions are important and I will continue to support the Government both in imposing them directly on the associates of the Putin regime and in pressing for further action on the part of the international community. I welcome the fact that numerous allies such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the EU have stepped up their own sanctions on Russia. I am glad that the UK is not dependent on Russian fuel supplies thanks to our own supplies of gas from the North Sea as well as a diverse network of international supply, meaning less than 3 per cent of our energy is connected in any way with Russia. Removing even this should be a priority as the reality is that the receipts from energy exports are paying for Putin’s military expansionism.
‘Of course sanctions are not the only tool we have at our disposal to oppose the appalling acts and unjustifiable actions being taken by Putin’s Russia. Our leading role in NATO and the material assistance that we can provide to our NATO allies in Eastern Europe are vital. I am glad that the Defence Secretary has confirmed we will send additional UK forces to allies such as the Baltic States and Romania and we should be proud that the deterrent effect of these forces will not only reassure allies and deter further Russian aggression but also provide protection for refugees from the conflict in Ukraine. I am also glad that our Defence secretary has confirmed that we will continue to provide military equipment to the Ukrainian forces who are fighting for the freedom of their country and democracy. Whilst I would have liked Ukraine to have been able to join NATO earlier and the UK played a leading role in sponsoring their bid for membership, this was not progressed and therefore it is a fact that they are not a member of the alliance. It would be provocative and wrong therefore to commit NATO troops or planes to a conflict which did not involve a member state but I am proud of the role our army has already played in training the Ukrainian armed forces in air defence and providing material support which appears to be having a significant effect in the early stages of the conflict.
‘I can assure you that I will continue to support the Government in standing by our commitments to democracy and the rule of law and ensuring that Putin realises and feels the consequences of the massive mistake he has made in targeting a democratic country in the way that he has. At times such as these we must recognise the vital role of NATO in safeguarding the interests of Western democracies and providing security to countries that have escaped the tyranny of the former Soviet Union. It is extraordinary that just three years ago we were facing a leader of the opposition who was calling for its abolition. I am glad that Sir Keir Starmer has rightly threatened to withdraw the whip from eleven Labour MPs and close associates of Jeremy Corbyn who signed motions criticising NATO and supporting Russia’s position on Ukraine. This along with the continuing position of the UK’s Green party in opposing NATO membership and it is a reminder that we cannot take for granted the political commitment to the vital alliance. I will do all I can to make sure we stand by Ukraine, stand up to Russian aggression and most importantly stand by our NATO allies and democracy.’