UK Politics

We are now 25 months on from Britain’s exit from the EU. Yet Brexit remains undone. The messy economic consequences are still unravelling, arrangements for Northern Ireland remain unclear, and the government has embarked on a mission to find hidden legislative “opportunities” lurking in the Brexit bushes.Foreign secretary Liz Truss may be talking tough on Russia, but she is speaking softly on the UK’s endless row with the EU. With the Ukraine crisis absorbing all attention, the Northern Ireland Protocol issue appears to have been quietly placed on the back burner.Truss and her EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic have agreed recent talks have sparked “neither breakthrough nor breakdown” – pledging to carry on with negotiations to ease trade barriers without a deadline. So it looks like the Northern Ireland election will come and go in May with nothing resolved.Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis has said there was a very real risk the Stormont executive will not return after the election, given the DUP’s “never, never, never” stance on the protocol. Will the mess flare up before marching season?Meanwhile, Brexit opportunities Jacob Rees-Mogg’s war on EU red tape has turned into a war on the metric system – as the government launches a study into the benefits of reintroducing imperial units of measurements. Can Rees-Mogg placate Tory Brexiteers?It comes as logistics chiefs and local politicians urged the government to start building more lorry parks near Dover or face “complete gridlock” around the port, as post-Brexit checks continue to cause huge delays.Desperate drivers caught in four-hour queues near Dover have been forced to “s*** in the bushes” and throw bottles of urine out of the window, The Independent has been told. Is there any sign of relief on the way?I’m here to answer your questions live at 3pm on Wednesday 2 March. All you have to do is register to submit your question in the comments below.If you’re not already a member, click “sign up” in the comments box to leave your question. Don’t worry if you can’t see your question – they’ll be hidden until I join the conversation to answer them. More

Keir Starmer has warned Britons to be braced for “economic pain” after sanctions are imposed on Russia, but called for the toughest action to end Vladimir Putin’s “bandit rule”.Experts warn that sanctions – while hitting Russia hard – will rebound the UK and other countries by sending already-soaring energy bills to new highs, as well as supermarket prices.In his televised advice, in which he vowed the invasion must fail, Boris Johnson made no mention of the knock-on impact for British people already suffering a cost-of living crisis.But the Labour leader said: “We must prepare ourselves for difficulties here. We will see economic pain as we free Europe from dependence on Russian gas and clean our institutions from money stolen from the Russian people.”He added: “But the British public have always been willing to make sacrifice to defend democracy on our continent and we will again.”In his own TV address, Sir Keir called for the Putin regime to see its “ability to function crippled”, so that it’s “bandit rule” comes to an end.“This must be a turning point in our history. We must look back and say that this terrible day was actually when Putin doomed himself to defeat,” he said.more follows More

The Russian invasion of Ukraine happened because of Western provocation of Vladimir Putin, Nigel Farage has claimed.The former Brexit Party and Ukip chief said on Thursday that the attack was a consequence of Nato and the EU trying to “poke the Russian bear with a stick”.He blamed the expansion of the Western military alliance and European Union for the current situation.But Mr Farage admitted he was “wrong” to have previously suggested that the Russian president would not attack his western neighbour.”Well, I was wrong. Putin has gone much further than I thought he would,” Mr Farage said in a tweet on Thursday as Russian helicopters were spotted fighting near Kiev.”A consequence of EU and Nato expansion, which came to a head in 2014. It made no sense to poke the Russian bear with a stick. These are dark days for Europe.”Mr Putin has warned the international community of “consequences greater than any you have faced in history” as he declared the start of his invasion.The Russian president had previously said he had no plans to attack Ukraine. He now says that “our plans are not to occupy Ukraine”.Russia says that Ukrainian membership of Nato is unacceptable and claims it has been provoked into a military operation to defend separatist republics.But the Ukrainian government and the West have characterised Russia’s action as a “full-scale invasion”. Mr Farage claimed earlier this week that “it was the European Union wanting to expand, wanting Ukraine to join it” that prompted the ousting of Viktor Yanukovych, Ukraine’s pro-Russian president until the 2014 Maidan revolution. Speaking on GB News he had said: “Yes we know the Russian can be paranoid, but why poke the Russian bear with a stick? If Vladimir Putin’s one demand is that we state clearly that Ukraine is not going to join Nato, why don’t we do it?” More

Putin’s ‘hideous venture’ must ‘end in failure’ as Johnson hints at arms for resistanceBoris Johnson has pledged to support Ukraine “militarily” following Russia’s invasion.In an address to the nation, Mr Johnson said the UK was introducing a “massive package of economic sanctions… to collectively cease dependence on Russian oil and gas.”He said: “We will work with them [Ukraine] – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored.“This act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine, it is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world.“This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future, and that is a right that the UK will always defend.”Mr Johnson added: “Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”Following his address, the prime minister will give a statement to Parliament at 5pm this afternoon.Show latest update

1645714104Expel Russian citizens’, senior Tory saysTory MP Tom Tugendhat, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, has attacked the “cowardice” of anyone who would seek to appease “evil dictators”, writes Adam Forrest.The senior backbencher told Commons: “We need to call out the corruption in our own city, we need to evict those who have done so much to undermine the rights and liberties of the British people, we need to seize their assets, freeze their goods and expel them.”Tugendhat added: “We can act now. We can freeze Russian assets in this country – all of them. We can expel Russian citizens – all of them.”Emily Atkinson24 February 2022 14:481645713371Russian ambassador ‘kicked out’ of meeting early by Liz Truss, government source claimsEmily Atkinson24 February 2022 14:361645713138Invasion will push up food prices, says Tory ministerRussia’s invasion of Ukraine will have an impact on global food prices, Commons Leader Mark Spencer has warned.The Tory minister told MPs the conflict “is going to have an impact not only on global fuel prices, but also on global food prices as well”.He said: “The Ukraine is an enormous supplier of food, of wheat and of bread. I think it’s something that the UK government will monitor and, of course, will assist through its work to try and lessen the burden of the cost of living.”Laurie Churchman24 February 2022 14:321645711998UK increasing its ‘air policing contribution’ to Nato – No 10Downing Street has said the UK is increasing its “air policing contribution” to Nato.The prime minister’s official spokesman said: “We are increasing our air policing contribution to Nato from RAF Akrotiri [in Cyprus] and the UK to help protect our Nato allies.”“Two typhoons and a voyager for refuelling from the UK will support continuous Nato air policing over Poland’s border with Ukraine … two typhoons and a voyager for refuelling from Akrotiri (will) also support continuous Nato air policing over Romania’s border with Ukraine.“So, this is a defensive capability designed to protect the airspace of our Nato allies … they will not operate in Ukrainian or Russian airspace.“Just to emphasise, this isn’t additional air support, this is the air support already committed to Nato doing additional activities.”Laurie Churchman24 February 2022 14:131645710858Sturgeon condemns ‘Putin’s unprovoked, imperialist aggression’ in UkraineThe Scottish First Minister said Ukraine’s “very existence as an independent democracy was now under attack”.She condemned “in the strongest possible terms the unprovoked, imperialist aggression of Vladimir Putin”.“There can be no doubt he must face the severest of consequences,” she said.You can read the full story below.Laurie Churchman24 February 2022 13:541645709718UK providing ‘defensive military capability’ to Ukraine – No 10Downing Street has said the UK is providing “defensive military capability” to Ukraine.The prime minister said earlier in an address to the nation: “Our mission is clear. Diplomatically, politically, economically, and eventually militarily, this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”Asked was what meant by “militarily” in this context, the PM’s official spokesman said: “He’s making the point that … our expectation is that the Ukrainian people will fight, will engage with Russian forces … we are providing military, defensive military capability.”Laurie Churchman24 February 2022 13:351645708563Attack on Ukraine labelled ‘act of great evil’ by Church leadersRussia’s attack on Ukraine has been described as “an act of great evil” by Church leaders in the UK.Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell condemned “the horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine”.They said they would “pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.”And they called for an international conference to secure “long-term agreements for stability and lasting peace.”You can read the full story below.Laurie Churchman24 February 2022 13:161645707479‘Parliament must sit this weekend’ in light of situation in Ukraine, says Ed DaveyLib Dem leader Ed Davey has said Parliament should sit at the weekend in order to pass “necessary measures and impose the most punitive of sanctions upon Putin’s regime”, writes Ashley Cownburn.He said: “At this dark moment we must renew our commitments of international cooperation and stand with our allies against this horrendous invasion. “For too long we in the West have been complacent about the threat which Putin poses to our allies and to the fundamental values which underpin our way of life. No more. “We must stand with the people of Ukraine and provide them with humanitarian and military aid, while unleashing the severest of sanctions against Putin and his cronies.“The era of Russian interference in this country must come to an end. Much of the legislation needed is ready to go – it must be brought before MPs immediately. Parliament must sit this weekend, day and night if we have to, to pass the necessary measures and impose the most punitive of sanctions upon Putin’s regime.”Emily Atkinson24 February 2022 12:571645707278Sunak says UK to impose ‘significant’ sanctions on RussiaThe UK will introduce “significant” further sanctions against Russia, Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said.Speaking during his Mais Lecture at the Bayes Business School in London, he said: “The whole world is rightly appalled at Russia’s aggression.”“When the freedom of one democratic nation is threatened, wherever they may be in the world, democracy everywhere is challenged.“We must apply severe economic costs to these actions and you can expect significant further sanctions to be brought forward.”“We are with Ukraine and its people at this difficult time,” he added.Emily Atkinson24 February 2022 12:541645706949MoD say there have been 80 strikes against Ukrainian targetsEmily Atkinson24 February 2022 12:49 More

Labour MP Chris Bryant has called on Boris Johnson’s government to seize assets from Roman Abramovich, as he revealed details from a leaked Home Office document showing concerns about alleged “links to the Russian state”.The backbencher said the billionaire and Chelsea FC owner “should no longer be able to own a football club” in the UK, after telling MPs that he had got hold of a leaked Home Office memo from 2019.Mr Bryant told the Commons the document said Mr Abramovich “remains of interest to the HMG [Her Majesty’s Government] due to his links to the Russian state and his public association with corrupt activity and practices”.The Labour MP said the government document stated: “An example of this is Abramovich admitting in court proceedings that he paid for political influence.”The document also said the government was “focused on ensuring individuals linked to illicit finance and malign activity are unable to base themselves in the UK and will use the relevant tools at its disposal including immigration powers to prevent this”, according to Mr Bryant.The senior MP, chair of the standards select committee, told the Commons: “That’s nearly three years ago, and yet remarkably little has been done in relation. Surely Mr Abramovich should no longer be able to own a football club in this country?”Mr Bryant added: “Surely we should be looking at seizing some of his assets, including his £152m home, and making sure that other people who’ve had tier one visas like this are not engaged in malign activity in the UK.”Commons Leader Mark Spencer replied: “He will know under the sanctions passed in the House this week there is the opportunity for the government to take very strong action against high-profile Russian individuals who are of concern.The Conservative minister added: “He will be aware that the home secretary will be at this dispatch box next Monday for Home Office questions and I am sure he will be able to challenge her directly.”Earlier this week, Mr Johnson admitted that he “misspoke” after he mistakenly told MPs that Mr Abramovich was “already facing sanctions”.The prime minister added he would correct the parliamentary record after he mistakenly included the Chelsea FC owner as one of those hit by the government’s retaliatory measures against Russian interests. More

Senior Conservative politicians are calling for Nato states including the UK to intervene militarily to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders.Former cabinet minister David Davis warned that if Nato does not act immediately by offering air support to Ukraine’s troops, the country will be defeated “in a matter of days”. And the chair of the Commons Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood, said Western powers must assist Kyiv with military options including offensive weapons systems and a no-fly zone.Their comments came shortly before prime minister Boris Johnson hinted in a TV address to the nation that the UK may be ready to make a military contribution to ensuring the Russian assault fails.“Our mission is clear,” Mr Johnson said. “Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure.”Mr Davis said that, while sanctions should be imposed on Moscow, they will not be enough to deter Putin from pushing ahead with his assault on Russia’s neighbour.And he said that the Russian president would see it as a “legalistic weakness” if Nato confined itself to taking military action under Article 5 only if a member state is invaded.”Whether we like it or not Putin has effectively declared war on the West,” said Mr Davis. “While we should continue to impose the most ferocious sanctions, they are no longer a deterrent. They are a punishment. They will not stop him. “If Nato does not act now, Ukraine will be defeated in a matter of days. Therefore if we do not provide military support, more than 40 million Ukrainians will go from living in a democracy to living under a brutal dictatorship.”It is far too late to get boots on the ground but it is not too late to provide air support to the Ukrainian army which may neutralize Putin’s overwhelming armoured superiority.”If this is confined to the airspace over Ukraine, and is based on a request from (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy, this should be perfectly legal under almost any interpretation of international law. It will also reduce the risk of escalation”Mr Ellwood said: “We’re now moving into a new phase of this .We cannot be timid, we cannot be risk averse. We’ve got to be more united. “We’ve now got to assist Ukraine militarily, and look to see how that can be done. Whether it be with our weapon systems, a no-fly zone, we need to be far more front-footed on this.”The former soldier said that Nato hard power was the only thing that could have deterred Putin from invasion, but that the government had ignored his calls over the past six months for a Nato division to be stationed on Ukrainian soil.”We tried diplomacy but without any form of carrot and stick that was going to alter Putin’s thinking,” Mr Ellwood told the BBC. “And we’ve now tried limited sanctions… hoping perhaps the tanks might turn around. “I have to say, if Kyiv falls, history will ask why the West didn’t do more, why we didn’t use our Nato hard power deterrence – the one Western asset that Putin fears. This was not harnessed and we’re now seeing the consequences of that.”Former minister Stephen Hammond also called for Nato to deploy its airpower, tweeting: “We must work with our allies to impose tougher sanctions and a no-fly zone.”Mr Davis said: “Everything now is very risky, but that is the price we are paying for ignoring Putin’s provocations on at least five occasions over the last 20 years.”There are no zero-risk options. If we do not act militarily, then NATO will be significantly weakened and we must fear for the safety of every state that borders Russia.”The calls for military action triggered a scathing response from Boris Johnson’s former top aide Dominic Cummings, who branded Mr Davis “thick as mince” and said it was hypocritical for Conservatives to speak out against Putin now when their party had been “financed by his mates” for years.“My disgust for westminster is never higher than when it’s excited about war, all the worst of its lies posing cant bullshit idiocy hypocrisy moral cowardice incompetence operational uselessness get turned up to 11,” tweeted the former No 10 adviser.“Tories literally have their party FINANCED BY PUTIN’S MATES FOR DECADES, won’t even stop them sending their kids to eton/harrow or using London as a ‘laundry’ (London’s *actual Moscow nickname*), then their MPs start babbling about no fly zones!!!” More

Here is Boris Johnson’s full address to the nation after Russian president Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.”Shortly after 4 o’ clock this morning I spoke to president Zelensky of Ukraine to offer the continued support of the UK because our worst fears have now come true and all our warnings have proved tragically accurate.”President Putin of Russia has unleashed war in our European continent. He has attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse. “Innumerable missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population. A vast invasion is underway by land by sea and by air. “And this is not in the infamous phrase some faraway country of which we know little. We have Ukrainian friends in this country; neighbours, co-workers. Ukraine is a country that for decades has enjoyed freedom and democracy and the right to choose its own destiny.”We – and the world – cannot allow that freedom just to be snuffed out. We cannot and will not just look away. “It is because we have been so alarmed in recent months at the Russian intimidation that the UK became one of the first countries in Europe to send defensive weaponry to help the Ukrainians. “Other allies have now done the same and we will do what more we can in the days ahead. Today in concert with our allies we will agree a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy “And to that end we must also collectively cease the dependence on Russian oil and gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics. Our mission is clear “Diplomatically, politically, economically – and eventually, militarily – this hideous and barbaric venture of Vladimir Putin must end in failure. And so I say to the people of Russia, whose president has just authorised a tidal wave of violence against a fellow Slavic people”The parents of Russian soldiers who will lose their lives. I cannot believe this is being done in your name or that you really want the pariah status it will bring to the Putin regime”And I say to the Ukrainians in this moment of agony we are with you, we are praying for you and your families, and we are on your side.And if the months ahead are grim, and the flame of freedom burns low I know that it will blaze bright again in Ukraine because for all his bombs and tanks and missiles I don’t believe that the Russian dictator will ever subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians and their passionate belief that their country should be free.”And I say to the British people and all who have heard the threats from Putin against those who stand with Ukraine we will of course do everything to keep our country safe”We are joined in our outrage by friends and allies around the world. We will work with them – for however long it takes – to ensure that the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is restored because this act of wanton and reckless aggression is an attack not just on Ukraine.”It is an attack on democracy and freedom in East Europe and around the world. This crisis is about the right of a free, sovereign independent European people to choose their own future and that is a right that the UK will always defend.” More