OPINION
Dame Priti Patel has urged the UK to stand firm with Ukraine (Image: PA)
Britons are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukrainians, not just because they’re fighting for their nation’s survival, but because they are fighting for values we share: democracy, the rule of law, liberty, and freedom.
Over the last three years, the UK’s world leading support has made a material difference in supporting , providing military aid, weapons and tanks so the Ukrainians can fight back ’s illegal invasion.
Indeed, we led the way, with Challenger 2 battle tanks and storm shadow missiles and we were one of the very first to offer a multi-billion, multi-year funding pledge.
Our leadership is recognised on the world stage. At the Munich Security Conference, allies globally praised Britain’s firm and decisive action.
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The reality is that although there has been much debated about the course of the conflict in recent days, the hot war continues in all its ferocity on land and at sea. So we must keep up the pressure with military aid to the Ukrainians and economic sanctions that continue to cripple the Russian economy and work with our allies to ensure Putin cannot sustain his illegal war.
We strongly urge Labour not to retreat from the previous government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. This is vital to strengthening our military in an unstable world, protecting our island, and standing side-by-side with our allies against the forces that seek to undo the fabric of peace.
The United States has invested heavily in ‘s security and, by extension, Europe’s, with a $60 billion aid package passed just months ago.
NATO allies must similarly lead by example, as some have already done, and contribute more to the collective security of our continent.
Britain has led before—hosting the 2014 NATO summit—and once again we must rise to new challenges, and lead our allies.
That’s why we are calling once again on Labour, as a minimum, to match our defence spending commitment – keeping the UK strong, well-defended, and a cornerstone of global security.
Britain has led before. We must do so again. We remain deeply invested in our support for , which as a proud and sovereign nation that has sacrificed so much must be able to chart its own future.
Now is the time to strengthen our defences and stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave Ukrainians on the front lines of Europe’s fight for freedom.