Ukraine

Lord Howe of Aberavon Excerpts

Tuesday 25th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Falkner of Margravine (LD)]

My Lords—

[Lord Howe of Aberavon (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Pearson of Rannoch (UKIP)]

My Lords—

[Noble Lords]

Howe!

[Lord Howe of Aberavon]

My Lords, I acknowledge some commitment in this area, having had the privilege of spending some seven years during the last decade of the previous century as a member of the Advisory Council to the Presidium of the Supreme Rada of Ukraine. In that context, I am able to acknowledge what is certainly true: it is not a wholly qualified organisation, judged by some standards. My own assessment is that it is equipped with economic resources—although not as significant as we might like—and real political skill. They are far from being communistic, and there is real deference to the Holy Pope. The Ukrainians deserve a sympathetic and practical partnership with us, so far as we can provide it.

[Baroness Warsi]

I will consider my noble and learned friend’s comments.