In the early hours of this morning, the independent and sovereign nation of Ukraine was invaded by Vladimir Putin’s Russian forces.

All people have a right to freedom and democracy, including the 44 million people in Ukraine. This is not a Western philosophy, it is the foundation of humanity.

For those with friends and family in Ukraine, this will be a time of anguish. My inbox is open for anyone who needs help.

At 7:30 this morning, the Prime Minister chaired an emergency Cobra meeting. He will be making an address to the nation shortly, followed by a statement in the House of Commons to set out the measures Britain will take with our allies to defend the Ukrainian people.

If you need my assistance, please do contact me at claire.coutinho.mp@parliament.uk and I will do all I can to help.