PM on Russia: ‘There is still hope but we are ready’

Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer put on a “united” front in Prime Minister’s Questions this afternoon over growing fears of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

When asked by Labour’s leader why the UK has not imposed even more sanctions upon Russia, the prime minister told the House that he maintains “hope” on de-escalation, but is ”ready very rapidly to escalate sanctions”.

Johnson went on to highlight the “vital” nature to working “in lockstep” with allies and to “squeeze him (Putin) simultaneously”.