Kemi Badenoch warned Keir Starmer that the UK could be dragged into a conflict with Vladimir Putin’s war machine if peacekeepers are sent to Ukraine if the war ends
Kemi Badench has warned that the UK could be drawn into conflict with Russia if it sends a peacekeeping force.
The Tory leader said the Government “cannot write a blank cheque” by putting boots on the ground in Ukraine if a deal is reached to end the war. The PM was also told that Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw mililtary support and refusal to provide a security guarantee “mean more brave Ukrainians will die and further embolden Putin”.
Mr Starmer said that a direct face-off with Vladimir Putin is the “last thing” the country wants – and said the Russian tyrant will seize on any division in the West. Ms Badenoch said: “All of us in this House know that the British armed forces are a huge source of pride to our country. They put themselves in harm’s way to defend our values.
“As the opposition, we support efforts to resolve this conflict. But we cannot write a blank cheque. If British peacekeeping troops in Ukraine were attacked, whether directly or via proxies, we could be drawn into conflict with Russia.
“Can the Prime Minister reassure all those who are concerned about the UK being drawn into this?” The PM responded: “That’s the last thing anybody wants to see. The whole point of ensuring that there’s a lasting peace and that the deal, if there is a deal, is defended, is to avoid conflict, to ensure that we do have peace.
“The way to ensure we have peace is to ensure there are guarantees for any deal that is in place. Because the surest risk for the would be conflict is if Putin thinks that he could breach any deal that may be arrived at.”
The PM also told Ms Badenoch that he would do everything possible to help repair the relationship between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump. He said: “I’m doing everything I can to play my part, I’m in regular contact with all of the key players at the moment, including talking to President Zelensky yesterday afternoon.”
Mr Starmer was also pressed by Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who voiced alarm over Trump’s refusal to provide a security guarantee and to withhold military support. He said: “Both those decisions mean more brave Ukrainians will die and further embolden Putin. So can the Prime Minister tell the House? Does he still believe that President Trump is a reliable ally?”
Mr Starmer responded: “We work very closely with the United States on defence, on security and on intelligence. We have done for many, many years, we’re intertwined. And, of course, they’re a reliable ally we are operating on that basis day in, day out.”
Mr Zelenskuy has written to Trump in a bit to smooth things over. He said his country is willing to sign a deal that could ensure future American support.
The Ukrainian President had earlier said it is “time to make things right” with the unpredictable US President after an ugly spat in the Oval Office on Friday. This week the US announced it was suspending military aid to Ukraine – a massive boost to Putin.
In his letter, he said Ukraine is ready to sign a minerals agreement “at any time”. Trump said he has had “strong signals” that Moscow is ready for peace, adding: “Wouldn’t that be beautiful?”
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood this morning welcomed Mr Trump’s response to Mr Zelensky’s letter. “We welcome anything that moves things forward,” the Cabinet minister told Times Radio. “But the position that the prime minister has taken, and which I think he’s done an excellent job of doing, is playing an honest broker between the US, Ukraine and our European partners.
“I think that we’ve got some positive developments…But of course, you know, there’s a long way to go yet. And the prime minister will keep doing exactly what he’s been doing over the last few days.”
