The war in Ukraine is “the frontline for all of us” in Europe, a minister has said after Sir Keir Starmer said he is prepared to put British troops on the ground.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Wilfred Frost on Sky News Breakfast that the government stands firmly behind Ukraine – not just for Ukrainians, but because Vladimir Putin’s “imperialist expansionist agenda” threatens the UK and Europe’s national security.
He said: “There is no greater priority for any government or any government worthy of the name than the security of the nation.
“The prime minister feels this very strongly that the war in Ukraine isn’t just the frontline for the Ukrainians, it’s the front line for all of us on our continent and across our continent.”
His comments come as Sir Keir travels to Paris for an “emergency meeting” of European leaders on Monday after Donald Trump pushed for Europe to provide more support for Kyiv, and the US to spend less.
Ahead of the meeting, the prime minister said he was “ready and willing” to put British troops into a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the prime minister also said the UK was “ready to play a leading role” in Ukraine’s defence and security, by committing £3bn a year until 2030.
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The PM last month told Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby, during a surprise visit to Ukraine, the UK would play its “full part” in peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine.
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