It is now over three and a half years since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

The United Kingdom has proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, bringing together international partners to provide aid and weapons, and imposing sanctions on Russia. I was proud to help deliver these actions while serving in the last government. 

I was also proud that so many Hertsmere residents generously opened their homes to Ukrainians in their hour of need through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Of course, we want this terrible war to be brought to an end and like President Zelensky we hope for a lasting, reliable peace. But the Euro-Atlantic community must continue to be intensely robust in the face of Putin’s aggression. The lesson we have learned over the past 20 years is clear: Putin only comes back for more.

That is why it is so worrying that last month multiple Russian drones that entered Polish airspace. This action by Russia was utterly reckless, unprecedented and dangerous. It was a clear testing of the resolve of the NATO countries to stand together in mutual defence.

When the matter was debated in Parliament, I raised concerns from time in government about increasing co-operation between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. This increased unity was on display at the recent Shanghai Co-operation Organisation summit in China. It was almost certainly emboldened Putin.

When our Western values of democracy, freedom, self determination and the rule of law are under renewed attack from forces such as Russia, Iran and an increasingly aggressive China, we must stand together. And that must include the United States. Hertsmere residents know that a failure of resolve now will mean a much higher price being paid later.