Boris Johnson news – live: PM says Putin will ‘double down’ on invasion, as Brits told to leave Russia
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Boris Johnson has said that Russian president Vladimir Putin will “double down” on his invasion of Ukraine and “continue with the destruction”.
The prime minister said Western nations needed to respond to Mr Putin’s aggression with an “intensified package” and thanked European neighbours for “delivering support for the Ukrainians and support for the Ukrainian 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 also underestimated Western unity, and the governments of all the countries represented around this table have really worked together, very effectively, to produce a package of economic sanctions that has had a very considerable effect on Russia.”
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky made clear in a late-night address on Friday that he felt the West needed to do more to defend Ukraine, criticising Nato for its refusal to impose a no-fly zone.
Meanwhile, British nationals in Russia whose presence is “not essential” have been told to consider leaving the country, updated travel advice on the Foreign Office website said today.
That’s all for our live updates today. We’ll be back tomorrow with more politics news.
DEC Ukraine appeal raises £85million
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Ukraine has raised more than £85 million.
Those behind the appeal said they are “grateful to everyone who is giving, organising events and helping to spread the word”.
They reiterated an appeal earlier on Saturday from the committee’s chief executive for people to donate money rather than goods.
The committee said: “Our member charities are at the borders and inside Ukraine responding to the huge and growing humanitarian crisis. They’re telling us that what they need is funding rather than donated items.
“The things that people give today might not be what people need tomorrow.”
‘If conflict come for us, we are ready’: US Secretary of State says during Nato meeting
In case you missed it
Hundreds protest in London against Russia’s invasion Ukraine
Hundreds of people are gathering in London’s Trafalgar Square to protest against Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Demonstrators have unfurled a giant banner on the steps of the National Gallery reading: “When the last Ukrainian soldier falls, Putin will come for you ladies & gents.”
Others are carrying placards saying “Putin terrorist” 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 the heavy bombardment of many cities by Russian forces continues and refugees stream out of the country to join the more than a million who have already fled.
Cost of living crisis: Snapshot of how biggest squeeze in 60 years is set to batter millions of Britons
Millions of households across the UK are bracing themselves to feel the pain when the cost-of-living crisis deepens next month.
Energy bills will skyrocket from 1 April when the current price cap is lifted, while National Insurance Contributions are set to rise four days later. Petrol prices and food costs are all already climbing steeply.
Taken together, it all means the country is set to experience the worst financial squeeze in 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Some 2.5 million families will be plunged into fuel poverty by the spring, the Resolution Foundation think tank predicts. Food banks are already recording unprecedented numbers of visitors.
Colin Drury reports.
How cost-of-living crisis is set to batter millions of Britons
Families and individuals across a wide economic spectrum are set for a financial savaging
British nationals told to leave Russia unless it is ‘essential’ to stay
British nationals who are still in Russia have been told they should leave if it is not essential they stay in the country.
The Foreign Office updated its advice on Saturday to say Britons should use the remaining commercial routes to flee the nation.
A post on the Foreign Office website said: “If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes.”
British nationals told to leave Russia unless it is ‘essential’ to stay
Foreign Office updated its travel advice on Saturday
Cost of living crisis: Snapshot of how biggest squeeze in 60 years is set to batter millions of Britons
Millions of households across the UK are bracing themselves to feel the pain when the cost-of-living crisis deepens next month.
Energy bills will skyrocket from 1 April when the current price cap is lifted, while National Insurance Contributions are set to rise four days later. Petrol prices and food costs are all already climbing steeply.
Taken together, it all means the country is set to experience the worst financial squeeze in 60 years, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Some 2.5 million families will be plunged into fuel poverty by the spring, the Resolution Foundation think tank predicts. Food banks are already recording unprecedented numbers of visitors.
Colin Drury has the details.
How cost-of-living crisis is set to batter millions of Britons
Families and individuals across a wide economic spectrum are set for a financial savaging
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 wounded in an ambush near the Ukrainian capital.
Stuart Ramsay, chief correspondent at Sky News, was hit by a bullet in the lower back as shooting rained down on a car carrying his crew towards Kyiv on Monday.
Camera operator Richie Mockler was also hit with two rounds to his body armour 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 played on Sky News on Friday evening.
The prime minister said on Twitter: “The courage of these journalists, putting themselves in terrifying and dangerous situations, is astonishing to watch.
“They’re risking their lives to ensure that the truth is told.
“Free press will not be intimidated or cowed by barbaric and indiscriminate acts of violence.”
Ex-Brexit Party MEP under fire for saying Northern Ireland Protocol as bad as invasion of Ukraine
A former Brexit Party MEP has claimed the EU’s treatment of Northern Ireland is on a par with Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, sparking criticism.
“The only difference is we bowed to the EU without a single shot being fired,” Ben Habib said – stepping up Unionist attacks on the trade rules in the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The comments come as Boris Johnson admits he is backing away from triggering Article 16 of the agreement, because it would be wrong to be “talking about this subject” while the conflict rages.
Ex-Brexit Party MEP says Northern Ireland Protocol as bad as invasion of Ukraine
‘The only difference is we bowed to the EU without a single shot being fired’, Ben Habib tells Unionists
Boris Johnson suggests fear of ‘brick wall of lawyers’ has stalled sanctions on Roman Abramovich
Boris Johnson has pointed to a fear of running into a “brick wall of lawyers” when asked why the UK has not imposed sanctions on Roman Abramovich.
Labour has demanded action against the Chelsea football club owner after a leaked Home Office document flagged his “links to the Russian state and his 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.
PM suggests fear of ‘brick wall of lawyers’ has stalled sanctions on Roman Abramovich
‘There’s no point saying we’re going to go after him, and then you come up against the brick wall of lawyers. So we have to get it right’
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