@Maisondeau We'll have to agree to differ. To me you don't turn a cheek when a country in your neighbourhood is invaded. You don't turn a cheek when other European, especially Baltic countries fear they could be next. We defend freedom and democracy against bullies. That's in the UK's DNA.
What a deeply depressing and unpleasant spectacle in the Oval Office as the US President and Vice President undermine and shout down President Zelensky, a man who has bravely led his country against Russian aggression. We must be resolute in supporting #Ukraine. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦
@Maisondeau A threat in Ukraine is a threat to our security. We don't wait until the wolf is at our door. In WW2 we intervened, not because we were attacked, but because our friends were and our continent was.
@Maisondeau How much of the UK would you accept the loss of if we were invaded? President Zelensky wants to know that if and when peace comes it will last and not be exploited by Russia to cause future harm. A rather rational perspective.
@Maisondeau In what sense does President Zelensky want war? His country was invaded, war came to him. We have a responsibility in the UK to tackle aggression and protect our continent, just as we did in WW2. You don't attain peace by turning your back on the victim.
"We must be the great arsenal of democracy." Franklin Roosevelt rousing the American people to stand up to autocracy and dictatorship in 1940. This is how it should be done. https://t.co/rf1VHvpuii
@Maisondeau President Zelensky has regularly talked of of peace. But he wants a genuine, lasting peace which requires external security guarantees. We cannot see Russian aggression go unchecked.
I’m sickened by that degrading spectacle. And to think the bust of Winston Churchill was in the same room as it unfolded. He would be turning in his grave if he saw that happen.
Ukraine’s people, led by President Zelenskyy, have fought bravely to hold off Putin over the last three years with US and European support. Zelenskyy has shown sincere gratitude for the support offered by his partners. We salute him and the courageous Ukrainians as they fight for freedom against Russian imperialism.
Countries can and do disagree, but the West must show a united front to our enemies.
Appeasement leads to wars. Corporal JD Vance should read his history and do his homework. He has never visited Ukraine and was wrong on his facts at Munich. 2/2
The best response to a bully is to stand up to them. The best thing for Europe and the UK to do is to step up, fund our security properly ( not with Treasury tricks and spin) and be prepared to use all means possible to ensure Putin fails in Ukraine. 1/2
Frank Field was a titan in British politics. He was a dear friend of mine and I miss him greatly.
This week, I make my maiden speech in the House of Commons about what Frank taught me: how to disagree well, and learn always.
Full speech available here:
https://t.co/8ytE5ApFyp
I want to highlight the wonderful advice service provided by @The_RHS. As a novice gardener and newish RHS member it has been invaluable. I also just had a very detailed and helpful plant pathology report back on a sadly deceased Rose. Thank you!! #gardening
Excellent post from a top quality journalist. Rigorous in his analysis with a superb ability to elaborate complex international issues to a wider audience. Thank you @MarkUrban01
Belated post #BISA photo. Great time at the conference in Birmingham last week. Great to present with my colleague @rc_mccabe on public-private cooperation and subsea infrastructure protection. Got to present from the rather stunning Birmingham City Library. #maritime#security