Nuclear war with Russia over Ukraine ‘a very unwelcome outcome’, says minister
The understatement by the Tory frontbencher of such a catastrophic scenario sparked muted wry laughter among peers.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A nuclear war with Russia over Ukraine would be “a very unwelcome outcome”, a defence minister has told Parliament.
The understatement by Tory frontbencher Baroness Goldie of such a catastrophic scenario, which she said she hoped could be avoided, sparked muted wry laughter among peers at Westminster.
Lady Goldie made her comments as she was pressed over a deal struck between the UK and Ukraine which will see warships and missiles sold to the country amid rising tensions with Russia.
Boris Johnson has previously warned Vladimir Putin against making a “tragic mistake” as tensions rise with a military build-up by Russia on the border with its ex-Soviet neighbour.
Speaking in the House of Lords, former Navy chief Lord West of Spithead said: “The greatest risk to survival of mankind isn’t global warming, it’s an accidental thermo-nuclear war.”
He added: “One has to look at the dreadful behaviour of Putin, not just around the Ukraine but in a number of other ways and his very loose talk about his de-escalatory policy of using a nuclear weapon should he be losing a conventional war, to see what the real risks are.”
Arguing the situation with Ukraine had been “dealt with badly”, Lord West said: “We need to get back urgently round the table or there will be a mistake and goodness me that will be it.”
Lady Goldie said: “That would be a very alarming prognosis and a very unwelcome outcome, which I hope, obviously, can be avoided.”
She added: “He is aware of the programme of engagement which has continued over a number of years with Ukraine.”
As well as Nato, Lady Goldie said: “Ukraine enjoys a strong bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom and that is a relationship we value, it’s a relationship we nurture and as recent events have indicated it’s a relationship which we support by deeds in addition to words.”
Tory former MEP Lord Balfe, who raised the issue in the upper chamber, said: “In eastern Europe we seem to be drifting towards a war, which we will inevitably lose since we are outnumbered by about four to one.”
He stressed the need for a “comprehensive conference” to deal with the current fragile stand-off.
Lady Goldie said: “No one is disputing there is not a serious situation within Ukraine and on the Crimean peninsula, but that is precisely why over the last 20 years and very particularly within the last six years, the UK along with allies and partners has been supporting Ukraine.”
Highlighting the recent treaty with Ukraine, under which the country’s government can access financing for contracts with UK suppliers to help beef up its naval capabilities, she said: “That is all about supporting this country, helping it to build its military capabilities.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.