Westminster raises its game for the Ukraine president who hadn’t come to the UK on a jolly
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets parliamentarians after addressing both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meets parliamentarians after addressing both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.ust occasionally Westminster can raise its game. Though it usually takes someone from outside to make it happen. A British royal or a foreign head of state. But few visitors have been given the reception granted to. Not merely extended applause. But a sense of awe.
At the far end was Liz Truss. Back on Westminster duty for the first time since her resignation. Yet to grace the Commons with her presence, though keen to get an eyeball of a man who knew how to take his country with him. Near her was Boris Johnson. Looking a complete mess. Hair a disaster, skin pallid, face bloated.
Shortly after 1pm, the Commons speaker, Lindsay Hoyle and the lord speaker, John McFall, led Zelenskiy, dressed in his trademark military fatigues, into the hall. Cue the first of many ovations. And some whoops of “Slava Ukraini”. This was to be an occasion like no other. Having made their way to the steps, Hoyle did the introductions. Reminding everyone that Zelenskiy had previously visited Westminster in 2020. Back then no one had paid much attention.
Then Zelenskiy addressed Sunak directly. “Thank you, Rishi.” Thank you for the tanks. The training. It felt like the least we could do. He recalled visiting the cabinet war rooms and being invited to sit in Churchill’s armchair. Now he understood the significance. The feeling. Bravery takes you through unimaginable hardships to reward you with victory. You weren’t going to win any wars snacking on the granola Rish! had served up for breakfast at Downing Street.
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