, Leader of the Labour Party,
said
“Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine is unprovoked and
unjustifiable. His actions will have horrendous and tragic
consequences that will echo throughout the world and throughout
history.
“All those who believe in the triumph of democracy over
dictatorship, good over evil, freedom over the jackboot of
tyranny must now support the Ukrainian people. They have been
cast onto the frontline of a war, simply for existing.
“There can be no space for equivocation when faced with the evil
that Putin has unleashed. His actions pose a grave threat to the
international order on which we all depend.
“There will be dark days ahead. But Putin will learn the same
lesson as Europe’s tyrants of the last century: that the resolve
of the world is harder than he imagines and the desire for
liberty burns stronger than ever. The light will prevail.
“I know people in this country will be feeling worried and
uncertain. And I know that Ukrainians and Russians here in the UK
will be worrying for friends and family back home. Our hearts are
with them today.
“We must now match our rhetoric with action. We must urgently
reinforce our NATO allies. The hardest possible sanctions must be
taken against all those linked to Putin. The influence of Russian
money must be extricated from the UK. And those who have for too
long turned a blind eye to Russia’s actions must reckon with
their own consciences.”
