MPs rise in standing ovation for Ukraine ambassador at PMQs

The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK was given a standing ovation and cheered loudly by MPs after Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed he was in the chamber for Prime Minister’s Questions.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: "Your Excellency, we generally do not allow applause in this chamber, but on this occasion the House quite rightly wants to demonstrate our respect and support for your country and its people in the most difficult of times."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson went on to tell MPs: “Putin has gravely miscalculated; in his abhorrent assault on a sovereign nation, he has underestimated the extraordinary fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the unity and resolve of the free world in standing up to his barbarism.

“The UN General Assembly will vote later today and we call on every nation to join us in condemning Russia and demanding that Putin turns his tanks around.

“If instead Putin doubles down then so shall we, further ratcheting up economic pressure and supporting Ukraine with finance, with weapons and with humanitarian assistance.

“Today the Disasters Emergency Committee is launching its Ukraine appeal and every pound donated by the British people will be matched by the Government, starting with £20 million.”