SHORTLY before I sat down to write this article, an unprecedented event happened in the chamber of the House of Commons.

Mr Speaker informed the chamber that the Ukrainian Ambassador was present and watching proceedings in the gallery at Prime Minister’s Question time, but before he could finish the announcement, the whole of the Commons spontaneously broke into rousing cheers and applause, and the Ukrainian Ambassador was given a lengthy standing ovation by the entire House.

Normally, applause is forbidden in the House of Commons due to both convention and tradition, but so strong was the feeling in the chamber in support of the Ukrainian people that the applause burst forth spontaneously on all sides of the House.

Mr Speaker made reference to this when, after the applause died down, he addressed the Ambassador, and stated: “Your Excellency, we generally do not allow applause in this chamber, but on this occasion, the House quite rightly wants to demonstrate our respect and support for your country and its people in the most difficult of times.”

It was an honour to be sat in the House of Commons at such a historic moment, when the chamber, I think, expressed the view of the overwhelming majority of our constituents across the country.

I am very proud that over the last few weeks, Britain has been leading the way on securing co-ordinated international action against Russia for their illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine.

We have put in place sanctions on both Russia and a number of Russian individuals linked to the Putin regime, and will continue to do so, including working to exclude Russian banks from the SWIFT international banking system.

We are working to isolate Russia diplomatically, militarily and economically until they turn their tanks around and withdraw from Ukraine wholly and completely.

We are also sending military and civilian aid, as well as working to make it easier for Ukrainians to come here by safe and legal immigration routes, and have launched a national aid campaign for Ukraine, where the Government has promised to match whatever sum is raised by the public pound for pound.

I would like to thank the people of Leigh for writing to me over the last few weeks to express their support for the Ukrainian people.

It is clear that the general public, both in Leigh and around the country, are in overwhelming support of the nation of Ukraine, and completely oppose Russian aggression and tyranny.

Together, we stand united, and we stand with Ukraine.

n For news updates visit leighjournal.co.uk