The aggressors must pay for their crimes, because Vladimir Putin is a war criminal, Hamas is a vile terrorist organisation, and Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal too.
Like millions across the UK and around the world I have been horrified by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East. Since 2022, the people of Ukraine have suffered at the hands of Russian aggression with thousands losing their homes and in so many cases their lives. Few will ever forget the scenes of the massacre of Ukrainian civilians by Russian troops in Bucha near Kyiv. And as we speak, thousands of Ukrainians are being forced to spend their evenings hiding in bomb shelters and basements to avoid Russian drones. At the same time, the people of Gaza are now facing some of the most horrific circumstances that we have seen in living memory.
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Two years of Israeli military action have flattened the Gaza Strip, led to the deaths of thousands of innocent Palestinian people and have caused a humanitarian crisis. The crisis in Gaza didn’t start in 2023. I’ve been to the Gaza Strip and seen first-hand the struggles of the people there. I have been part of an aid mission to take a generator into Al Shifa Hospital when it was threatened by power outages caused by the Israeli blockade. That same hospital has now been shelled and raided, with patients being put in danger.
It is the duty of the world to say enough is enough and that peace must prevail. But peace must come with justice. That means a lasting peace that recognises the sovereignty of Ukraine. And it means the establishment of a Palestinian state. This week we have seen President Trump, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European leaders call for peace in Ukraine. This is the leadership we need. But we cannot allow those who have caused destruction and mayhem to dictate the terms of peace. The aggressors must pay for their crimes. Because let me be clear – Vladimir Putin is a war criminal. Hamas is a vile terrorist organisation. And Benjamin Netanyahu is a war criminal too. With Netanyahu and his extremist cabinet now launching a ground invasion of Gaza, the world must say no. That’s why I am calling for Putin, Netanyahu and Hamas to face justice for the war crimes they have committed. This is our chance to say enough is enough and to send a clear message – no one can kill innocent people and get away with it. You cannot appease war criminals – show them an inch and they will take a mile. We cannot afford to look back at this moment and regret taking a stand. In the name of the people of Ukraine, of the families torn apart in Israel and the suffering of the people of Palestine, it’s time for justice.
‘We have delivered a pay rise for millions of British workers’
This summer I’ve been travelling across Scotland, speaking to communities and businesses about their hopes for the year ahead. In my conversations, it was clear to me that people want reassurance their hard-earned money will be respected by those elected to government. That is why I am proud of the work being done by the Labour government – cutting the average mortgage by around £1,500. At the same time, we have delivered a pay rise for millions of British workers. Lower mortgages, higher pay – that is money in your pocket. But the job isn’t done. That’s why I am continuing to call for action to tackle energy bills and, here in Scotland, for an end to SNP waste of public money. A wealthier, fairer Britain is possible with Labour.
‘Things are looking up for Scottish football’
I am over the moon at the return of the Premier League. Few things are as relaxing as settling down with a cuppa on a Saturday night to watch Match of the Day. It is great to see Scots like Andy Robertson and Ben Doak thrive in England. With Scotland’s own Scott McTominay nominated for a Ballon D’or for his heroics in Italy, things are looking up for Scottish football.
Lossiemouth
It was a delight to return to Lossiemouth this Summer. The picturesque Moray seaside town is where my parents were married, where my grandfather first settled in Scotland and where I spent my childhood summers in the sun. Lossiemouth is home from home – make sure you visit and sample the famous ice cream from Miele’s!
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