MP Josh Dean presses Prime Minister on ‘just and lasting peace’ for Ukraine

Hertford and Stortford’s MP Josh Dean has pressed the Prime Minister to end Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

In a debate in the House of Commons yesterday (Monday, March 3) he urged Sir Keir Starmer to reassure refugees in his constituency.

Mr Dean said: “I thank the Prime Minister for his leadership on what is the defining moral issue of our time.

“There is no end of support for the Ukrainian people in Hertford and Stortford, but this has been an incredibly difficult time for Ukrainian families who have found safety in our community.

“Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to directly reassure the Ukrainian community in my constituency of his commitment to work with international allies to end Russia’s illegal invasion and bring a just and lasting peace to Ukraine?”

Sir Keir responded: “I know that the Ukrainian communities here in the United Kingdom have been extremely anxious, particularly in the last few days.

“Having spoken to some of them myself, particularly those who have come from areas that are occupied by Russia, I know that they are extremely concerned about the ongoing situation.”

The Prime Minister made a statement to MPs following his meeting with President Donald Trump in the White House on Thursday, February 27. He welcomed Ukraine’s president to 10 Downing Street on Saturday (March 1).

Volodymyr Zelensky flew into a private jet centre at Stansted Airport before making his way to the capital for a summit with Sir Keir and the leaders of France, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Canada, Finland, Sweden, Czechia and Romania. The Turkish foreign minister, NATO Secretary General and the presidents of the European Commission and European Council also attended.

Before Mr Zelensky flew home, he went to the Royal Sandringham Estate for an hour-long private audience with King Charles.

His visit followed an acrimonious meeting with Mr Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday (February 28).

Sir Keir told the House of Commons what happened at that meeting was “something nobody in this House wants to see”.

However, he cautioned: “I do want to be crystal clear: we must strengthen our relationship with America. For our security, for our technology and our trade and investment, they are and always will be indispensable.”

He said that the cheering crowds which greeted Mr Zelensky in Whitehall spoke for the whole of the country.

The Prime Minister said: “This House and this nation stand in unwavering support behind him and the people of Ukraine. We resolved together to move forward the strong cause of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Before the summit, he spoke to the leaders of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia and after the “productive” negotiations in London, he said there was a four-point plan to end the Russian invasion and restore peace.

Sir Keir said there would be no “weak deal” with President Vladimir Putin and the allies would proceed with strength - with “boots on the ground and planes in the air” if necessary.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative MP for North West Essex, said: “Ukraine is fighting for her survival and fighting to have the same freedom, democracy and sovereignty that all of us here enjoy.

“That is why both the Opposition and the Government are fully committed to supporting Ukraine and President Zelensky.

“President Zelensky is a hero. He is a symbol of the bravery of the Ukrainian people.”