This is the terrible news we all dreaded. There is war in Europe the likes of which we thought was consigned to history. My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people today who are facing invasion, suffering and danger when they have done nothing wrong other than wanting to live in freedom and make choices about their country’s future.
I am appalled at the loss of life already reported. This is truly a dark day for Europe – the darkest since the Balkan conflict 30 years ago.
The UK government has made it clear it will stand in support with the democratically elected Ukrainian government and more severe sanctions will now be imposed on Russia.
But the West must work together to impose the toughest sanctions possible towards Putin and his cronies across the board and for the long term. His aggressive and reckless actions have made his country a pariah state.
