Speaker Hoyle invites “courageous” Ukrainian President to give Commons address
9 March 2022
The President of Ukraine marked an historic first when he addressed the House of Commons via video link to explain how his citizens had suffered from a conflict, they “did not want.”
MPs, peers and House staff gave President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a standing ovation after Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said he had agreed to suspend formal business to allow the request because of “the exceptional and grave situation” in Ukraine.
“We have watched the situation unfolding in your country with increasing concern, but also with increasing admiration for the courage and fortitude displayed by you and your fellow Ukrainians,” he said.
“Mr President, you are welcome to address Members of the House of Commons and the Lords. You now have the floor.”
MPs, peers and House staff fell silent as President Zelenskyy spoke in muted tones about the experiences of his citizens during “13 days of war.”
In that time, more than 50 children were killed, hospitalswerehit with rockets and there wasconstant shelling. The people of Mariupol were left without food and water, and a Holocaust Memorial was targeted, he said.
“Ukraine was not looking for this war,” he said. “Ukrainians have not been looking to become big, but they have become big over the 13 days of this war.
“We are saving people despite having to fight one of the biggest armies in the world with its helicopters and rockets.”
Pledging that Ukraine would neither give up nor lose, he invoked Churchill by adding: “We will fight until the end, at sea and in the air.
“We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost. We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores and in the streets....
“We are looking for help from civilised countries, and we are thankful for this help.”
Afterwards, Mr Speaker said the House had made history by enabling the event and “was at its best when it was united on an issue that is of concern internationally.”
“I felt very proud to be Speaker that day – to see the House full and speaking as one in our condemnation of Russia,” he said.
“It was an honour to hear from President Zelenskyy whose calm, yet powerful message from the heart of a warzone was not only inspirational but affected us all.”
Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor