Hertford and Stortford MP Josh Dean tells House of Commons support for Ukraine is ‘defining moral issue of our time’
Hertford and Stortford’s MP told the House of Commons that Ukrainian refugees would always be welcome in his constituency.
Labour member Josh Dean was taking part in a debate to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, introduced by Sir Iain Duncan Smith, the Tory MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.
The former Conservative Party leader said on Thursday (February 27): “The reality in this chamber, which may mark us out slightly from other countries, is that we have been completely united in our support for Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, who are fighting for their freedom as we have had to do in the past.
“We therefore recognise their sacrifices and the risk they have taken. To anybody who assumes that is of no relevance, I say that the only relevant issue that pervades this debate is that we should always be on the side of those who believe in freedom and democracy.”
Mr Dean said: “It is intolerable that the violence and bloodshed of Putin’s illegal invasion, the waking nightmare of Russian aggression wrought upon the Ukrainian people, has worn on for three ghastly years.”
He told colleagues about the anniversary vigil he attended, organised by the Bishop’s Stortford Ukrainian Guests Support Group, and the shared hope that they would not have to meet again next year to mark a fourth year of violence.
He paid tribute to his constituents who have supported refugees. “The Ukrainian people stand resolutely against Russian aggression and brutality, and our support for them must be unwavering,” he said. “Now is the time to redouble our support for Ukraine.”
Mr Dean said that support was “the defining moral issue of our time” and welcomed the solidarity which bridges political divides at Westminster.
He staunchly supported the Government’s 100-year partnership with Ukraine to strengthen security ties and backed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of an increase in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by April 2027.
He said: “I recognise that this decision comes with difficult but necessary sacrifices, and I hope that in the coming years the Government will chart a course towards restoring spending on international aid as soon as fiscal circumstances allow, alongside increased defence spending.
“Their first priority, however, must be to safeguard the British people at home in the face of what is a once-in-a-generation moment for the world.”
He concluded: “I wish to put on record my admiration for the spirit and bravery of the Ukrainian people, who have endured so much – and will no doubt endure more – not just since 2022 but over the course of many years of unacceptable Russian aggression.
“For those Ukrainian families who have found safety in our community, I hope for a future when they are free to choose to return to rebuild homes in a peaceful, secure Ukraine or, if they wish, to remain in Hertford and Stortford, where they will always, always be welcome.”
