Boris Johnson news – live: PM says Putin will ‘double down’ on invasion
Zelensky attacks NATO in a nocturnal speech: “People will die because of you”
Boris Johnson said Russian President Vladimir Putin would “double down” on his invasion of Ukraine and “continue the destruction”.
The Prime Minister said Western countries must respond to Putin’s aggression with an ‘intensified package’ and thanked European neighbors for ‘giving support to Ukrainians and supporting Ukraine’s right to self-defence’ .
It comes as Russia announced a ceasefire in two cities in Ukraine to allow residents to evacuate.
In an interview with foreign newspapers, Mr Johnson added: “Putin has also underestimated Western unity, and the governments of all the countries represented around this table have really worked together, very effectively, to produce a set of economic sanctions which had a very considerable impact. effect on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear in a late Friday evening speech that he believed the West needed to do more to defend Ukraine, criticizing NATO for its refusal to impose a no-fly zone.
Meanwhile, British nationals in Russia whose presence is ‘not essential’ have been urged to consider leaving the country, updated travel advice announced on the Foreign Office website today .
That’s it for our live updates today. We will come back tomorrow with more political news.
Katy CliftonMarch 5, 2022 3:23 p.m.
DEC Ukraine appeal raises £85m
The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Ukraine has raised over £85million.
The people behind the call said they were “grateful to everyone who donates, hosts events and helps spread the word”.
Earlier on Saturday, they reiterated a call from the committee’s chief executive for people to donate money rather than goods.
The committee said: “Our member charities are on the borders and inside Ukraine responding to the huge and growing humanitarian crisis. They tell us what they need is funding rather than donated items.
“The things people give today might not be what people need tomorrow.”
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 2:15 p.m.
‘If conflict comes to us, we’re ready,’ US secretary of state tells NATO meeting
‘If conflict comes to us, we’re ready,’ US secretary of state tells NATO meeting
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 1:45 p.m.
Hundreds demonstrate in London against Russian invasion of Ukraine
Hundreds of people gather in London’s Trafalgar Square to protest Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Protesters unfurled a giant banner on the steps of the National Gallery saying, “When the last Ukrainian soldier falls, Putin will come for you ladies and gentlemen.”
Others carry placards saying “Terrorist Putin” and “Protect Ukraine, Save Europe”, and many are draped in the blue and yellow national flag of Ukraine.
The rally comes on the 10th day of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, as heavy shelling of many cities by Russian forces continues and refugees stream out of the country to join more than a million people who have already fled.
Demonstrators take part in a demonstration against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Trafalgar Square, London
(Reuters)
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 1:15 p.m.
Cost of living crisis: Insight into how the biggest squeeze in 60 years is set to hit millions of Britons
Millions of households across the UK are preparing to feel the pain as the cost of living crisis deepens next month.
Energy bills will soar from April 1 when the current price cap is lifted, while National Insurance contributions are expected to rise four days later. Gasoline prices and food prices are already skyrocketing.
Overall, this means the country is on the verge of the worst financial crisis in 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Some 2.5 million families will be pushed into fuel poverty by spring, the Resolution Foundation think tank predicts. Food banks are already seeing unprecedented numbers of visitors.
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 12:40 p.m.
UK nationals must leave Russia unless it is ‘essential’ to stay
British nationals who are still in Russia have been told they must leave if it is not essential that they remain in the country.
The Foreign Office updated its advice on Saturday to say Britons should use the remaining trade routes to flee the country.
A message on the Foreign Office website said: “If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise you to consider leaving through the remaining trade routes.”
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 12:19 p.m.
Cost of living crisis: Insight into how the biggest squeeze in 60 years is set to hit millions of Britons
Millions of households across the UK are preparing to feel the pain as the cost of living crisis deepens next month.
Energy bills will soar from April 1 when the current price cap is lifted, while National Insurance contributions are expected to rise four days later. Gasoline prices and food prices are already skyrocketing.
Overall, this means the country is on the verge of the worst financial crisis in 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Some 2.5 million families will be pushed into fuel poverty by spring, the Resolution Foundation think tank predicts. Food banks are already seeing unprecedented numbers of visitors.
Colin Drurry has the details.
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 12:01
PM praises journalists in ‘terrifying and dangerous situations’
Boris Johnson has praised British journalists in ‘terrifying and dangerous situations’ after a correspondent was shot and injured in an ambush near the Ukrainian capital.
Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay was shot in the lower back as gunfire rained down on a car carrying his crew to Kiev on Monday.
Camera operator Richie Mockler was also hit by two bullets to his body armor before the team managed to escape and take cover. They were later rescued by Ukrainian police.
It is understood that the whole crew, including Sky News’ Dominique van Heerden and Martin Vowles, and local producer Andrii Lytvynenko, are now safe.
Shocking footage of the incident was shown on Sky News on Friday night.
The Prime Minister said on Twitter: “The courage of these journalists, putting themselves in terrifying and dangerous situations, is amazing to watch.
“They risk their lives to make sure the truth is told.
“The free press will not be intimidated or intimidated by barbaric and indiscriminate acts of violence.”
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 11:55 am
Ex-Brexit party MEP under fire for calling Northern Ireland protocol as bad as invading Ukraine
A former Brexit Party MEP has claimed the EU’s treatment of Northern Ireland was comparable to Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, drawing criticism.
“The only difference is that we bowed to the EU without a single shot being fired,” said Ben Habib – stepping up unionist attacks on the Northern Ireland Protocol trade rules.
The comments come as Boris Johnson admits he is opting out of triggering Article 16 of the deal because it would be wrong to ‘talk about this’ as the dispute rages on.
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 11:39 am
Boris Johnson suggests fear of a ‘brick wall of lawyers’ has blocked sanctions against Roman Abramovich
Boris Johnson has expressed fear of hitting a ‘brick wall of lawyers’ when asked why the UK has not imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich.
Labor has demanded action against the owner of Chelsea football club after a leaked Home Office document pointed to his ‘links to the Russian state and public association with corrupt activities and practices “.
The Prime Minister had insisted he could not discuss individual cases, but opened up about Mr Abramovich in an interview with various European newspapers.
Our Deputy Political Editor Rob Merrick has the details.
Joe MiddletonMarch 5, 2022 11:19 am