Marie Rimmer applauds 'courage and resilience' in Kherson liberation

On Tuesday, November 15, Marie Rimmer MP spoke in the House of Commons to recognise the "courage and resilience" of the Ukrainian people following the liberation of the southern city of Kherson.

Kherson became the largest Ukrainian city to fall to Russian forces in March, but Ukrainian troops recaptured the territory last week and re-united people with loved ones they had not seen for months.

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Ukrainian forces re-captured Kherson last week (Image: PA)

Congratulating Ukraine for their military efforts, the Labour MP for St Helens South & Whiston stated that there must be "long term support" in order to end the invasion and help Ukraine to rebuild.

With the energy crisis partly brought about by the Russian invasion, Ms Rimmer said that it is essential that Europe sticks together in supporting Ukraine and "standing up" to Putin.

Through diplomatic collaboration and long-lasting financial support, this will help ensure that "Putin's invasion really does end in failure", she said.

A map of Ukraine and Russian controlled areas (Image: PA)

In her speech, Marie Rimmer MP said: "To see towns, villages, and people being liberated by Ukrainian forces, children inching out of hiding places, and families being reunited is deeply moving and a testament to the courage and resilience of the wonderful Ukrainian people.

"Putin's nuclear and dirty bomb rhetoric is designed to distract from his losses and his efforts to intimidate and divide the West.

"The best way to see off any escalation in the rhetoric is through the provision of long-term plan of support for Ukraine for as long as it takes."

The MP stated that the Government should set out a clear strategy, in collaboration with Ukraine and our allies, for "long-term military, economic, and diplomatic support" in order to end the invasion and rebuild the infrastructure of Ukraine.