Labour’s shadow ministers have reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine during a diplomatic visit to Kyiv, promising continuity in assistance regardless of political shifts. Here’s the full story.
Two Years of War
As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags into its second year, Labour Party shadow Ministers have used a recent visit to Ukraine to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine should there be a change of government at the upcoming election.
“Ironclad Commitment”
With Labour still 20 points ahead in the polls, the election expected in autumn, and the Conservatives widely expecting a crushing defeat, Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey used the visit to emphasise the Labour Party’s “ironclad commitment” to Ukraine.
“Send a Clear Message”
In a joint statement, the pair said, “As Putin seeks to divide the West, we visited Kyiv together to send a clear message that a change in government in the UK would mean no change in our military, diplomatic, financial and political support to Ukraine.”
“Imperial Invasion”
They continued, “Moscow’s deepened cooperation with Beijing, Tehran and Pyongyang requires us to deepen our cooperation with Britain’s allies to demonstrate that our commitment to Ukraine will outlast Vladmir Putin’s imperial invasion. The next Labour government’s commitment to Ukraine will be ironclad and European security will be our first foreign and defence priority.”
Reassure Ukrainian Officials
The trip was presented as an essential opportunity for Labour to reassure Ukrainian officials and the broader international community that British support and assistance to Ukraine would continue regardless of a possible change of government.
“New Fascism in Europe”
Not only did the pair pledge their continued support of Ukraine, but they also called for Putin to be punished for war crimes for unleashing on Europe, blaming Putin for what Lammy called the “new fascism in Europe.”
“Wide-Ranging Approach”
The statement went on, “Labour’s action plan lays out a wide-ranging approach to stand with Ukraine, confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes. We will stand with Ukraine until it wins.”
Five Priorities
Labour has outlined its top five priorities for Ukrainian support, including expediting military aid, enhancing diplomatic endeavours, confronting Russian aggression, bolstering industrial output, and aiding recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Stepping Up Measures
The Labour Shadow Ministers also said that a government led by Keir Starmer would step up measures to prevent London from being used as a financial centre for washing dirty Russian money.
“Some Real Issues”
Lammy stated, “We do believe there are some real issues that have not been fully dealt with in relation to London as a laundromat for the world’s oligarchs.”
Sanction Measures
The pair advocated for greater cooperation between the Foreign Office and the Treasury to ensure effective sanctions enforcement, highlighting discrepancies between UK and US/European sanction measures.
More Aggressive Sanctions
Lammy added that Labour would work to create better synergy between the Foreign Office and the Treasury to ensure proper sanctions enforcement and would also pursue a more aggressive sanctions policy against figures linked to Russia’s war effort.
“Left Behind”
Lammy stated, “It’s not clear to us why we often see the US and Europe move to sanction individuals and the UK left behind.”
Critical Moment
The shadow ministers acknowledged the critical moment Ukraine was experiencing in its defensive war against Russia, as Russian troops have made several advances in the last few months, which has stretched Ukrainian defences to their limit.
“A Stronger Position”
Lammy stated, “Clearly now that there is a full complement of aid from the United States, from the EU and from [the UK], they are in a stronger position, but they are not where they would have liked to have been had there not been the delays, and therefore the immediate months are tough.”
Trump Trouble
The discussion in Ukraine extended far beyond UK politics, encompassing the worry shared by many in the Ukraine government over what could happen should Donald Trump be reelected in November.
Wide Range of Opinions
Lammy was at pains to stress that, despite Donald Trump’s reluctance to continue to supply Ukraine, he believes that Trump’s views may not fully capture the breadth of opinions within the Republican party.
“The Senate Supports the Ukrainians”
He stated, “There is a breadth of opinion across the Republican party, which I don’t think is sometimes properly conveyed in the UK, and I would say that the significant majority opinion certainly in the Republicans in the Senate supports the Ukrainians and supported that aid.”
Unwavering Commitment
Lammy and Healey’s visit to Ukraine underscored Labour’s commitment to supporting Ukraine as the UK election draws nearer.
Extreme Upheaval
With British politics experiencing a period of extreme upheaval and a government change expected whenever the election is called, their reassurances aimed to depoliticise the UK’s support for Ukraine, demonstrate a unified stance against Russian aggression and make Labour appear like a government-in-waiting on security matters.
Uncertain Future
However, whether this will convince either Ukrainian leadership or the British public remains to be seen.
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