Almost a year ago, Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the Commons via video link. Western support for Ukraine was strong, underpinned by the belief it must win. That remains undimmed, but much else has changed in that time.
Ukraine’s armed forces have retaken territory from Russia. The West is supplying tanks. And today, Zelensky addressed Parliament in person in Westminster Hall. He has come to this country because Britain has led the way in supporting Ukraine’s defence: politically, financially and militarily.
The UK was the first nation to pledge tanks and today Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that our military support programme will be expanded to train Ukrainian pilots and marines.
This visit is about more than symbolism. Zelensky is the leader of a sovereign nation, fighting for freedom and the right to self-determination. Nothing could be more fundamental. We welcome him to London. The people of Ukraine will always have a friend in Britain.
Women’s safety first
One of Britain’s worst sex offenders was, until recently, a Metropolitan Police officer. David Carrick will serve at least 32 years in jail after the sentencing judge compared his case to those of Joseph McCann and Reynhard Sinaga — two of the country’s most prolific serial rapists.
That Carrick was an officer is not tangential to the story or mere coincidence: it was crucial to his crimes. He subjected women to degrading and humiliating abuse, using his status as a PC to secure their silence. Carrick repeatedly raped one woman after trapping her in his flat and pointing a gun at her head. He sent another image of his police-issue firearm with the message, “Remember I am the boss”.
So where does the Met go from here? Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has vowed to “ruthlessly” identify Met officers and staff who must be removed from the force. About 1,000 formerly examined complaints of sexual or domestic abuse involving 800 officers are being looked at again. But the revelations are relentless. Only yesterday, another Met PC was charged with rape and assault.
The time for excuses is rapidly closing over. Women in London have the right to feel safe on their streets and be confident that an approaching police officer is a sign of assurance, not a threat to their safety.
Help quake victims
The images coming out of southern Turkey and northern Syria after the devastating earthquakes are heartbreaking. There are still scenes of hope, with children being pulled out of the rubble even now.
But every hour that goes by, many more will perish. The reconstruction effort will require huge reserves of time, expertise and money.
We urge readers to donate to the charities helping on the ground now and into the future. They include: Islamic Relief, the British Red Cross, Save the Children and Médecins Sans Frontières.
