Anna McMorrin calls on Parliaments across the world to condemn Putin and for an end to the invasion

Cardiff North MP Anna McMorrin delivered a moving speech on the global stage as she warned representatives of 178 countries across the world not to be “on the wrong side of history” on the war in Ukraine.

The Shadow Justice Minister addressed the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s 144th global Assembly in Indonesia as part of the UK delegation, urging Parliamentarians to stand united in stopping the “unjustified attacks” on Ukraine. The former Shadow Minister for International Development highlighted the human suffering of Putin’s “illegal and unethical” war and called on global representatives to use their influence to bring about greater international support for Ukraine.

McMorrin also called out Russia’s presence at the Assembly. Russia’s representatives joined the debate by video link, resulting in a walk out from the UK representatives in protest. Expressing her outrage at giving Russia a platform at the Assembly to “spread its misinformation and lies”, McMorrin said “it is not the job of this forum to give a platform to Putin’s heinous crimes against democracy itself.”

Describing the distressing images we’ve witnessed and the recounts of her Ukrainian counterparts, she said: “Women and children being gunned down, targeted as they queue for bread and shelter from bombs. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians, homes being destroyed.

“Dead bodies left on the street. Women raped and murdered. Grandparents and children shot as they attempt to flee. Children forced to see their parents left to bleed out.

“And while we open our doors to millions of frightened and fleeing Ukrainian refugees, many neighbouring countries wonder if they will be next. Terrified as the history books are replayed. The tales told to them of the Second World War, still imprinted onto their memories.”

The Welsh MP’s calls amplified Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko’s powerful address to the Assembly from the Ukraine-Polish border. Daughter of former Ukrainian Ambassador to the UK and mother to three children, Vasylenko sent her children to safety and has taken up arms. Vasylenko has been outspoken on allowing a repeat of the Second World War through a “failure to act” and highlights the lives lost “at the hands of Putin and his missiles.”

The Labour MP added: “We are at a turning point in history. A turning point for our generation and our children. This war will touch every part of our humanity if it isn’t stopped. Do not be on the wrong side of history.”

After intense negotiations and despite objections from numerous countries, including China, India, South Africa and the UAE, international parliaments passed an emergency resolution on the war in Ukraine deploring Russia’s aggression and demanding a cease of force, recognising the “immense human suffering” and promoting international co-operation.

It is hoped that this will go some way in urging more governments across the world to speak out.
ENDS.