During questions to the Leader of the House of Commons earlier today, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, voiced support for the people of Ukraine and condemned Russia’s actions over its invasion of Ukraine. He asked the Leader of the House if there will be sufficient parliamentary time to debate the UK’s international actions against Russian aggression and plans to protect UK domestic resilience.
Dr Hudson asked:
“On this dark day for Ukraine, Europe and the world, can I join with colleagues across the House in expressing our solidarity with the people of Ukraine at this dreadful time and to condemn this abhorrent invasion by Russia. My thoughts and prayers especially go out to the civilians of Ukraine who face terrifying and awful choices as they try and protect their families. I notice the Leader’s comments on upcoming business and what is due to come. Can he reassure colleagues that there will be sufficient Parliamentary time to look at the UK’s international actions and also, very importantly, our domestic resilience preparations?”
The Leader of the House of Commons, Mark Spencer, replied:
“I thank him for his question and of course he will recognise that the Prime Minister will be here at 5pm. That will be his first opportunity to question that. I have not announced further business other than the debate on Ukraine on 7th March but I think the Government’s record of giving many opportunities this week to discuss this matter will be an indication of how we will proceed going forward.”
Speaking after the Commons session Dr Hudson added:
“I was grateful for the opportunity to speak on behalf of the constituents of Penrith and The Border in support of the people of Ukraine who are facing such an abhorrent crisis. It was good to get an indication from the Leader of the House that MPs will have a chance to debate next steps to combat Russian aggression and to feed into plans to protect UK domestic resilience which will face challenges moving forward. Worryingly this crisis will probably roll on and it is vital that MPs can properly scrutinise actions that the Government is taking. I stand four square behind the people of Ukraine and it is good to see that the House is united against Russia’s illegal invasion of a democratic sovereign nation in Europe.”
