“I am proud to be the first British Asian Prime Minister, but you know what…I’m even prouder that it’s just not a big deal.”
“Investing in defence is morally the right thing to do, the Defence Secretary declared. “It saves lives.” He criticised those who “from a woke banking perspective” who feel we should disinvest, should take a “dose of reality.”
But every speaker at this ConHome/AECON fringe conveyed the conviction that Ukraine will emerge stronger from the war.
The UK has led the world in providing military aid to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. How can we now go further and help Ukraine begin to rebuild its towns, cities and infrastructure? And what more can the government do to encourage the private sector to boost trade and investment in Ukraine’s economy?
The Foreign Secretary adds that “60 per cent of UK exports go to non-EU countries. The long-term economic trend is clear.”
A victorious Russia would not only be free to continue its extermination of Ukrainian society, but its forces would be on the Polish border, and its leadership convinced that the West lacked the will or ability to defend itself.
The Defence Secretary adds that “we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainians.”
The demographic tide can’t be turned back, but its advance can be slowed – by the self-reinforcing triangle of stronger families, better schools, good jobs, and the stronger society that these help to build.
He may have less than a year, as Parliament returns and his Party’s conference looms, to persuade voters of his case – which he has scarcely even begun to make.
The objective seems to be to help it survive and to stay in the fight (with perhaps 70,000 dead already), but not for it to win back its lost territories in a timely manner.
Maybe the future isn’t Leavers v Remainers, or even Conservative v Labour. Perhaps its truth v post-truth – Rowling v Dorries. I’m with Rowling. You?
Racist opposition to immigration, notably in the former East Germany, does not mean reputable opposition is impossible.
There are lively independence movements all over the Federation; local elites are preparing for a clean excision, a chance to join the comity of nations as (in many cases) resource-rich republics.
It was my fourth visit to the country since Russia tried, but failed, to launch a full-scale invasion in February last year. The strength of my commitment to Ukraine grows with each visit.