The crisis in Ukraine has caused shock and concern in the international community. 

The situation continues to deteriorate rapidly. Hundreds of thousands of people are now fleeing the war, leaving everything behind. 

While the steps taken so far by the UK and the international community are to be welcomed, so much more must, and can, be done. 

Sanctions must only be one part of the measures taken by Western governments against Russia. They will not take effect quickly enough to help the people of Ukraine, who are facing an unbelievably frightening and horrendous situation right now.

Further support and action is critical. The UK government has stated that “nothing is off the table” but at the time of writing so much more could be done. 

The international community must come together to use all available options and offer its full support to the Ukrainian people. People who voted for an independent and democratic way of life. We should not leave them to face this heartbreaking situation alone. 

This petition is deliberately short. There are no words right now for what is happening in Ukraine - I, for one, cannot imagine what it must feel like for its people. But the shock and fear is clear for all to see from the news reports coming out. These reports now use words such as “war crimes” and “killing of civilians”. 

We are extremely fortunate to live in a peaceful, safe and democratic country. The one thing that people like you and me can do is show the Ukrainian people - our neighbours - that they are not alone, and have not been forgotten.

Collectively, we can do that by demanding that our government do much, much more to help. 

Democracy, independence and freedom are being threatened. We, as a democratic society, living with the rule of law, cannot watch and allow what are now being suggested to be war crimes to be committed in 2022.

While it is right that any alleged crimes or atrocities committed should be considered by an international court, that will not be of help or offer comfort to the millions of innocent people in desperate circumstances and who are likely to be displaced in the coming weeks. 

We ask our government to take every necessary step, using all of its powers, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and its people. Innocent people who are in dire need, and who require help and action RIGHT NOW. 

If you believe that the UK, as a country and a leading member of a wider international community, could, and should, be doing more to help, please ask our government to do exactly that by signing this petition. 

Let’s stand United with the people of Ukraine - innocent people who share our values of democracy and independence, values for which they are now being persecuted.