PRESS RELEASE:Parliament must sit this weekend to pass measures against Putin's Russia.

Guildford Liberal Democrats Contact: Zöe Franklin
EMBARGO: Immediate

Like all of us, Parliamentary Spokesperson Zöe Franklin has been processing the news that Russia has commenced its campaign of aggression against the sovereign state of Ukraine.

The world has been watching for the last few months as Vladimir Putin amassed his troops on the Ukrainian border, listened to his many denials that an invasion was imminent and hoped that a peaceful solution could be found.

This morning the people of Ukraine and the rest of the world woke up to the news that negotiations have failed and the sanctions placed on Russia by the UK, America and the European Union were not enough to deter Putin, who seems to be intent on carrying out his invasion of Ukraine, creating a war that the continent of Europe and his own citizens do not want.

Guildford's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Zöe Franklin said:

"At a time like this in history, it is difficult to find words but one thing is clear, we cannot turn our backs on Ukraine. For too long Vladimir Putin and his Government have been allowed to throw their weight around and go largely unchallenged. No one can be in any doubt of his intentions now and we must stop this assault on both democracy and the sovereign state of Ukraine.

"The Government must act and implement the strictest possible sanctions. Unfortunately, this crisis is likely to continue to unfold over the coming days and weeks. It demands a coordinated response from the UK, Europe and NATO member states. We cannot allow Putin's ambition to destabilise our continent any further and we must keep in mind the potential human cost of his actions and do all we can to minimise this."

Commenting following Boris Johnson's address to the nation on Ukraine, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey 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."

ENDS