Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, reaffirmed his strong support for Ukraine and its democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during Prime Minister's Questions.
Against the backdrop of increasing global security threats from authoritarian states, Dr Hudson welcomed the Government’s action to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. This critical decision has been met with cross-party support, illustrating the importance of national unity in the face of international challenges.
Ahead of the Prime Minister’s crucial meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, and sat in the Chamber next to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Dr Hudson drew parallels from history and reminded the House of Sir Winston Churchill's wartime decision to delay elections, highlighting the gravity of current global tensions.
Sir Winston Churchill holds a special reverence in Epping Forest. As the MP for Epping from 1924 until 1945, Sir Winston led the country throughout World War II before representing the neighbouring seat of Woodford until 1964.
In the Chamber at Prime Minister’s Questions, Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson said:
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement committing us to increased defence spending and reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and its democratically elected leader, President Zelenskyy.
“He is a wartime leader like Winston Churchill, who also had to delay elections because his country faced an existential threat.
“As the Prime Minister travels to Washington, with this House and the country willing him to succeed, will he invoke the legacy of Churchill in making the case for the UK to be the key in bridging transatlantic relations, to bring us all together for the sake of freedom and democracy across the world?”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer replied:
“I thank the hon. Member for his question, and may I pick up on both elements?
“First, President Zelenskyy is a democratically elected leader and suspending elections was precisely what we did in this country when we were fighting in the Second World War.
“Secondly, yes, the UK has successfully been a bridge between the US and Europe for many years. It is vital that we continue in that role.
“That is why my message to President Trump is that the relationship between our two countries needs to go from strength to strength—it is already strong—while we work at the same time with our European allies.”
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP added:
“In these challenging times, it is imperative that we stand united in our support for Ukraine and our commitment to global security.
“I welcome that the Prime Minister has taken the necessary decision to increase defence spending. With global threats on the horizon, it is critical that we continue to protect democracy and freedom, not just in the UK, but around the world.
“As we face these threats, we must remember the lessons of history and the courage of leaders like Sir Winston Churchill, who understood the importance of steadfast determination in the face of tyranny.”
Dr Neil Hudson remains an outspoken supporter of Ukraine. To read more about his work, please see:
