John Baron MP: Ukraine conflict highlights greater dangers

MP says Defence must be prioritised

Responding to recent events in the Sea of Azov between Russia and Ukraine, John Baron MP says,

“Some of us in Parliament have long believed that a number of our military interventions over the last 20 years have been ill-judged – they have been expensive in both blood and treasure, and have rarely achieved what was intended at the outset. Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya are strong examples.”

“Perhaps the most serious effect is that these interventions, many of which have been long-term commitments, have distracted us from the greater dangers posed by aggressive nation states. In particular, our depleted Armed Forces have recalibrated themselves to fight counter-insurgency warfare at the expense of traditional state-on-state skills.”

“Recent events in the Sea of Azov are a reminder that the conflict in Eastern Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea, both fomented by Russia, remain live issues, and have claimed the lives of thousands of people right on Europe’s doorstep. Moreover, 20% of Georgia remains under de facto Russian occupation ten years after the conflict there, and Russian submarines and aircraft continue to probe NATO’s defences.”

“In the UK, the Russian state recklessly used a military-grade nerve agent on the streets of Salisbury, exposing the general public to great danger, poisoning five people and killing a British national. Hacking of our national infrastructure has also been traced back to Russian state actors.”

“The Government must address the shortfalls in defence spending to ensure we retain the necessary options if provoked, and that we send the right message to Russia and other potential adversaries.”