On Thursday 24 March, leaders from across the globe – including President Joe Biden – met in Brussels to discuss the Ukrainian crisis. The first meetings – of Nato and G7 members – included Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Biden was also present at a later meeting of the European Council (EC), having been specially invited to attend. That invitation was not extended to Johnson.

Johnson sidelined

The government had expected that Johnson would be on the EC summit guest list, especially since the foreign secretary, Liz Truss, attended an earlier summit at the start of the crisis. Of course, that was before Johnson opened his mouth and inserted both feet. Once again, our PM had said the wrong thing, at the wrong time, causing considerable resentment and outrage.

Johnson’s comments, comparing the fight of the Ukrainian people to Britain voting for Brexit, caused widespread offense at home and abroad. As a direct result of his inappropriate remarks, Johnson’s invitation to attend was never issued. Boris, in the words of the Express, had been “snubbed”.

Like night follows day… pic.twitter.com/oldlo07xYC

— Edwin Hayward 🦄 🗡 (@uk_domain_names) March 22, 2022

Johnson’s isolation was plain to see when leaders of the western world met before the world’s press. Where heads of state were seen greeting each other warmly and shaking hands – in particular seeking out President Biden – Johnson was given a wide berth. Boris no-mates stood alone, with nowhere to put his hands but in pockets.

Global Britain. 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/m32DzGdLPW

— Brendan May 🇺🇦 (@bmay) March 24, 2022

Zelenskyy appeals to Nato

A month after the Russian invasion began, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine appeared before Nato via video link. He appealed directly for help, saying the only way “to save our people and our cities” from Russian attack was with Nato’s help. Specifically, he called upon Nato to provide “effective and unrestricted” support. He thanked world leaders, including Biden and Johnson, for the equipment provided so far, but said much more was needed.

Johnson urged UK’s “allies and partners to step up military and economic support” in a thread posted on Twitter. He listed the military aid the UK would be providing, and on this occasion, managed to avoid his usual ‘world-beating’ rhetoric. Perhaps, for once, he had learned something from his recent misplaced comments.

I’m at @NATO where I’ll be urging our allies and partners to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight. We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine’s towns and cities into dust. 1/6

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 24, 2022

Following the meetings, Nato leaders issued a joint statement agreeing to reinforce their defences to the East. They plan to “significantly strengthen” their defence posture and to “further develop the full range of ready forces and capabilities necessary to maintain credible deterrence and defence”. The Nato alliance, according to Biden, has never been more united that it is today.

Brussels – centre of the free world

The European Commission summit brought world leaders back into the room, to continue where earlier meetings had left off. This time, the participants were spared the sight of loose-end Johnson, as they made further important international decisions, without input from the UK.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented that, “Brussels is today the centre of the free world”. In a tweet showing the flags of the EU, USA, Canada and Japan, but not the UK, she said, “our bonds are stronger than ever before”.

With 🇪🇺🇺🇸🇨🇦🇯🇵 leaders here, Brussels is today the centre of the free world.

Together, we will step up our support for Ukraine. Sharpen our sanctions.
And break free from Russia´s fossil fuels.

Tomorrow with @POTUS we will open a new chapter in our 🇪🇺🇺🇸 energy partnership. pic.twitter.com/JyAr4DJ79U

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 24, 2022

Addressing the media directly she added, “we have decided to step up our support for Ukraine, to sharpen the sanctions against Russia and to break free from Russian fossil fuel”. Tomorrow, in conjunction with President Biden, the EU will present “a new chapter in our energy partnership”.

Earlier in the day, von der Leyen declared “our most valuable asset” against Putin was “our unity, the speed of our action and our determination”. That unity now largely excludes the UK. Britain – once an important voice at the top European table – is now, thanks to Johnson, terra non grata.

Johnson has removed the ‘great’ from Britain and the ‘united’ from Kingdom. It’s time we removed the Johnson from Downing Street before any more damage can be done.

Johnson's comparaison of the courageous fight of Ukraine with Brexit is insane…

Brexit was about undoing freedoms and leaving the EU…Ukrainians want more freedom and to join the EU! https://t.co/DOtaNTpiWN

— Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) March 19, 2022

Johnson’s latest insult

The offending statements were made at the Conservative Party Spring Conference in Blackpool on 19 March. In his closing speech, Johnson told delegates the Ukrainian struggle for freedom was comparable to the British people voting for the freedoms of Brexit. He did so in front of the Ukrainian Ambassador.

As with Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, before him, Johnson levelled an attack on ‘woke’ issues, using the Ukrainian crisis as a weapon in the ongoing Tory culture wars.

Widespread condemnation

While it’s not unusual for his remarks to draw criticism, Johnson’s latest appalling comments have drawn widespread condemnation. The Tories have been doubling down, repeating Johnson’s insensitive and damaging rhetoric, and applauding (literally) his every word.

If we are to ultimately defeat Putin we require international leadership and unity.

Comparing the Ukrainian people's fight against Putin's tyranny to the British people voting for Brexit damages the standard of statecraft we were beginning to exhibit. https://t.co/r5dvD6eJ8b

— Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias_Ellwood) March 19, 2022

A notable exception came from MP and Defence Select Committee member, Tobias Ellwood. He tweeted that “international leadership and unity” are required if we are to defeat Putin, the implication being that Johnson is a threat to both. Of Johnson’s suggestion that the Ukrainian peoples’ struggle and British people voting for Brexit are comparable, Ellwood said it “damages the standard of statecraft we were beginning to exhibit.”

Quite the opposite: it shows exactly why he must be removed from office. Comments like this are a smear on Britain. And strategically, they risk the unity of the Western response.

— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) March 19, 2022

The strength of feeling levelled at Johnson’s comments came from a wide range of sources. Some expected, some not. Ian Dunt spoke of his “disgust” and how what Johnson had said was “gnawing away” at him. Jessica Simor, QC, described Johnson’s speech as “utterly grotesque” and “stomach turning”. She added that, “for this alone” it was time for the Tories to “get rid of him”.

Best for Britain CEO, Naomi Smith said, “Equating the Brexit vote to Ukrainian plight is not only a disgraceful insult to those in the grip of war, it dismisses the fact Ukraine has applied to join the EU, the greatest peace project in human history.”

Johnson told the Ukrainian Ambassador that the struggle for Brexit was like the Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. For this alone @OliverDowden you should get rid of him. Utterly grotesque and a disgrace to us all. Stomach turning. https://t.co/BI4bD8AsWy

— Jessica Simor QC (@JMPSimor) March 20, 2022

Johnson’s comments also drew strong criticism from outside of the UK. Two senior European politicians, Donald Tusk and Guy Verhofstadt – both rather familiar with Brexit themselves – added their own condemnation. Verhofstadt called Johnson’s remarks “insane”, pointing out that “Brexit was about undoing freedoms and leaving the EU”. Ukrainians, however, “want more freedoms and to join the EU”. Tusk levelled his comments directly at Johnson, saying, “Boris, your words offend Ukrainians, the British & common sense.”

The response from self-proclaimed “staunch Brexiter”, Julia Hartley-Brewer was, perhaps, more unexpected. She said that comparing the vote to leave the EU with the Ukrainian people’s struggle against a foreign invader was “an insult to their bravery and sacrifice”, describing it as “totally cringe”.

Even as a staunch Brexiteer, this is totally cringe from @BorisJohnson. Comparing the vote to leave the EU with the Ukrainian people fighting for their lives against a foreign invader is an insult to their bravery and sacrifice. https://t.co/RwA4PEbG25

— Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) March 19, 2022

Deflection and distraction

In many ways, the Ukrainian crisis has perhaps been a welcome distraction for our PM. With our focus quite rightly on the terrifying plight of the Ukrainian people, those pestering niggles that have threatened Johnson’s position have faded into the background. Few are asking what happened to the Sue Gray report, the Met Police investigation, or various other scandals involving the leader or his party.

One exception has been the focus on Russian money, donors and close ties with the Conservatives. Another exception must be the UK’s continued failings towards Ukrainian refugees. Despite constant suggestions from Johnson to the contrary, the UK is not a generous or welcoming host. Where our neighbours have bent over backwards to help those in desperate need – waiving visas, helping find food, shelter, work – the UK is making the process as difficult as possible.

We're the only country in Europe not to waive visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees. This is a disgrace.

Write to your MP using our one-click tool and demand the Home Secretary waives visas for Ukrainian refugees 👇

— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) March 10, 2022

Ukrainians refugees must apply for a visa – assuming they have family connections or a sponsor. Not only that, but every stage of the application process seems deliberately designed to make things more fraught, gruelling and off-putting.

Johnson and his government insult us all further when they dare to suggest what a great job they have done supporting other refugees, such as those fleeing Afghanistan and Syria. The sheer audacity of such obvious lies is exasperating.

Self-inflicted damage

The pain, the anger, the disbelief that Johnson’s comments have caused will be with us for some time. The debate as to whether Johnson deliberately aims to offend, or does so by accident, will continue. Perhaps just as worrying is the fact that a team, presumably, of so-called experts would have approved his speech beforehand. Not only will they have agreed the content, but they will have thought it was just what was necessary.

If the aim was to please the Brexit extremists, maybe they have succeeded in the short term. But if this crisis has taught us anything, it’s that the British people are a lot more caring, a lot more generous, a lot more empathetic than the government, or the PM that represents us.

Johnson may have won over a few right-wing back-benchers, but he has distanced himself from the “will of the people” and damaged his chances of keeping his job. By supporting his stance, his own party have weakened their own position, furthered their own demise and distanced the UK from its former friends and neighbours.

The Conservatives might not yet be ready to get rid of Johnson. The country, however, is. If the party won’t rid themselves of their leader, Johnson will take them all down with him.

Now that really would be worth a standing ovation and a round of applause.

Lord David Frost, former Brexit negotiator, is having a bit of a tantrum. Yes, another one. It seems he is not taking criticism of his recent speech well, accusing critics of not having read the speech first. The Churchill lecture was given at the EuropaInstitut at the University of Zurich on 15 March. I’m sorry to report that I have read more than enough of it, so at least you don’t have to.

According to the Spectator, Frost set out a potential basis for future relations between the UK and the EU in a “warm” tone. His comments mark a “deliberate attempt to move on from scratchy relations of the last few years”, while failing, naturally, to accept any responsibility for how his own bombastic, truculent style affected EU/UK relations. For good measure, and without a hint of irony, Frost argued there is a “need to recognise that the EU is a natural ally”, adding that the UK and EU should “seek – as sovereign equals – ways to cooperate and work together more”.

Empty threats on the Northern Ireland protocol

The threat of triggering Article 16 – effectively suspending the Northern Ireland protocol – was one often bandied about by Frost, and by the prime minister. They have each claimed, on occasion, that the protocol has caused “serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties”. In doing so, they say, it has reached the necessary threshold to ‘justify’ triggering Article 16.

Maroš Šefčovič, vice president of the European Commission, described these threats as “enormously disruptive” and could result in “very serious consequences”. Increasingly, however, the EU politely dismissed them merely as empty threats.

Fast forward to his speech and Frost half-heartedly suggests the threat be taken off the table. Not without a quid pro quo though. In exchange for not throwing our toys out of the pram (again), Frost demands the EU accept the need for a fundamental renegotiation of the protocol. Should the EU fail to accept a renegotiation – something they have adamantly and repeatedly rejected – then surprise, surprise, we’re back to invoking Article 16. After all, according to Frost, the protocol was “always temporary” and it was “not realistic” to expect the border in the Irish Sea to last forever.

I would appreciate it if those commenting would actually read my speech tonight before doing so.

The message is not that of this headline.

Incidentally, "Tory public schoolboys", however unwelcome their existence may be to some, are still allowed to have a view on things. https://t.co/4X59U71Kdb

— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) March 15, 2022

Or, to put it another way, as the Telegraph did, the “Tories should pledge to tear up the Northern Ireland protocol unless EU backs down”. It seems though, that Frost’s message was “not that of this headline”, according to his tweet.

Also, he’s a bit touchy about being referred to as one of those “Tory public schoolboys”. Duly noted

Questionable judgment and false statements

In a Twitter thread, Professor Steve Peers points out a number of false statements (lies) made by Frost in his speech. Frost claimed the protocol was “imposed on us” – a rather different picture from the one painted at the time of his signing the deal. So much for that glorified “oven-ready deal” sold to the country, which parliament voted for and Conservatives applauded.

Frost also suggested that Theresa May’s government was only interested in a “simulacrum of leaving”, which was clearly untrue. May had, from very early on, taken the single market and freedom of movement off the negotiating table, thanks to her obsession with immigration. But even May’s Brexit had not been hard enough for Johnson or Frost.

Peers acknowledges Frost’s positive suggestions on how the deal could be improved, such as youth mobility and cooperation on foreign and defence policy. However, this would involve the reversal of policies that Frost himself had negotiated, and, says Peers, “frankly, this calls his judgement into question”.

I've read the speech. @hayward_katy's critique is justified; the Telegraph headline is fair; and the speech is profoundly intellectually dishonest. Let's have a closer look. 1/ https://t.co/eTrPAUxqdI

— Steve Peers (@StevePeers) March 16, 2022

Peers also disagrees with Frost about the accuracy of the Telegraph headline, describing it as a “fair” interpretation. The speech, however, he described as “intellectually dishonest” – a description that could equally be levelled at the Tory public schoolboy.

Frost, you so often try to give the impression that the #NIProtocol’s content is not your doing and an unwelcome surprise. It is an international treaty. You negotiated it. You knew its implications. Or if you didn’t, then you were and are unfit for high office.

— Lord DomB of Vladivostok #FBPE (@NotaTory67) March 16, 2022

Distorted Brexit reality

When Brexit was ‘done’, Frost signed an international, legally binding agreement that he never read, never understood, or never had any intention of implementing. He was given a Cabinet role by Johnson and elevated to the House of Lords, before resigning in a fit of pique when the EU exposed the weakness of his arguments. If he ever understood the way the EU works, negotiates, or protects its values, he has a strange way of showing it.

With every speech, including those made to parliament, Frost has never lost his ability to distort Brexit reality. Despite having negotiated a hard Brexit deal, including the protocol he now hates, his own deal was never extreme enough for his own liking.

I’ve had quite enough of Frost, and Tory public schoolboys, to last me a lifetime. Johnson and Frost have damaged our economy, our reputation and the democracy they falsely claimed to prize. You’ll have to read the next Frost speech yourselves, as I won’t be bothering. I know what he will say. The same as he always does – trumped up nonsense divorced from reality. Just like Brexit.

I would appreciate it if those commenting would actually read my speech tonight before doing so.

The message is not that of this headline.

Incidentally, "Tory public schoolboys", however unwelcome their existence may be to some, are still allowed to have a view on things. https://t.co/4X59U71Kdb

— David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) March 15, 2022

When Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed Home Secretary Priti Patel at the despatch box on Thursday, she expressed feelings that much of the country could associate with. Showing passion, frustration and anger at the woeful government response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Cooper pointed out the shocking inadequacies and failings of the Home Office scheme.

Yvette Cooper – Why does it always take the Home Secretary to be dragged into the HoC to make basic changes to help vulnerable people.. her response has been a total disgrace… if she can't sort this out, frankly, she should hand the job over to somebody else who can. pic.twitter.com/cVvvyiXsSZ

— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) March 10, 2022

Cooper described the government’s response to the Ukraine refugee crisis as a “total disgrace” and highlighted the fact that Patel had to be “hauled into the House of Commons to make basic changes to help vulnerable people” fleeing Ukraine. She acknowledged some progress since last week but criticised the slow pace of action, especially considering that the government has known about a likely Russian invasion for weeks.

Ukrainian refugees left out in the cold

Meanwhile, desperate Ukrainian women and children are facing a bureaucratic nightmare, often waiting outside warm, relatively empty buildings for hours in freezing temperatures. Worse still, when they finally start the complicated visa application process – assuming they have made or can get an appointment – they have been sent to another town, or even another country, to continue their application.

The list of requirements is lengthy, and would be a bureaucratic nightmare under normal circumstances. Add in the complexities of fleeing a war zone in haste, often without even a suitcase, and demands for proof of residency or the production of a utility bill make even less sense and are even more degrading and inappropriate. Many refugees will be lucky to escape with their passport, let alone any other paperwork required by the British authorities. Thankfully, the system is being improved to allow online applications, though many won’t be able to take advantage of this addition to the process.

#KayBurley – Ukrainians are having to jump through hoops to apply for a visa into the UK.. these are people fleeing from war.. we need to do something about this?

James Heappey – It's a hard job being Home Secretary

KB – It's hard to flee a war. pic.twitter.com/lNFDSMV2Rw

— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) March 10, 2022

A risk to national security?

In a ridiculous attempt to justify their position, the government is insistent that the extensive checks and bureaucratic hurdles are necessary to protect our security. Despite the fact that the applicants are vulnerable women and children, almost exclusively with family in the UK, apparently they are a potential security threat.

Not only does the government, presumably genuinely, believe that Russia will take advantage of this crisis and import spies to the UK amongst the refugees, but it has criticised Ireland for their “liberal policy”. A government source told The Telegraph that, “Ireland has basically opened the door to everyone in Ukraine”, creating a problem due to the lack of biometric checks in the common travel area.

Already in trouble for a series of false claims – such as suggesting it was offering help in Calais when it wasn’t – the government’s criticism of Ireland’s approach has been described as “dirty propaganda”

Doubling down

In addition to claims made by the home secretary, government ministers and MPs have been doubling down on the rhetoric.

Interviewed on Sky News, James Heappey, representing the Ministry of Defence, said it was “a hard job being home secretary”. Not as hard as being a refugee fleeing a war zone, Kay Burley reminded him. On BBC Breakfast, Charlie Stayt asked Heappey why refugees couldn’t be brought to the UK and the paperwork sorted out on British soil. Heappey reiterated that the home secretary “has to weigh that up against risk”. He added, “we are not making the mistake of dropping our guard altogether”. In response, Stayt suggested that the premise that women and children escaping a war zone are a security risk was “bogus”.

Charlie Stayt – Why not bring ukrainians to the UK & allow border control to deal with them when they get here?

James Heappey – Priti Patel had to weigh tbat up against risk…

Charlie Stayt – This is bogus, that women & children are a risk to our security.. #BBCBreakfast pic.twitter.com/Qbw7jCOpIi

— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) March 10, 2022

Leading the effort against Russia

On Monday evening, a special hour-long edition of BBC Question Time was dedicated to the Ukrainian war. Following the government line, Education Secretary Nadam Zahawi suggested the UK was leading the efforts and that Russia regarded Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as a leader in this field.

That put him and the Tories in their place. It’s about time someone said it. Well done @HelleThorning_S Bloody brilliant. #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/W1tq9WlIwb

— 💙💛Maria Del Greco (@MariaDelGreco1) March 9, 2022

His comments drew derision, both on the programme – most notably from the former Danish prime minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt – and later on social media. Thorning-Schmidt said that Zahawi almost made her “chuckle” with his ridiculous claims, and that the European Union is “leading the effort against Russia”. Regarding his claim about Johnson, she suggested Russia would not see our prime minister as a leader and Zahawi should set the record straight.

Turned on #bbcqt special to see @HelleThorning_S calling out @nadhimzahawi's nonsense that UK can't waive refugee visas (unlike rest of Europe) because Putin sees UK as most dangerous enemy.

She correctly points out that Putin will be more concerned about EU.

— Siobhan Benita 🇺🇦🌻 (@SiobhanBenita) March 9, 2022

UK shamed by EU

According to the United Nations, over two million refugees have already fled Ukraine. Only 760 of those desperate people have been granted UK visas to date. As the fighting continues, the number of people expected to be displaced could exceed four million, with 18 million people projected to be affected.

EU countries, albeit geographically closer to Ukraine, have taken tens, even hundreds of thousands of refugees. In Poland’s case, it’s over 1.4 million. Even Ireland, with its relatively small population (just over five million), has taken in over 2,500 refugees – a third of them children.

Across the EU, refugees are being welcomed with open arms, being offered sustenance, free travel, accommodation and support. They are welcome to stay for three years, and without the need to apply for visas or jump cumbersome bureaucratic hurdles.

Many refugees are only seeking a temporary solution to the crisis and will want to return to their homeland at the earliest opportunity. But regardless of whether they wish to stay temporarily or permanently, they deserve our help and support.

The government response – hostile, and deliberately so – does not, however, represent public opinion. The generosity shown by the British people when the government launched its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal demonstrates a sincere wish to offer help. The public are showing a level of compassion and humanity the Home Office would do well to emulate. In denying Ukrainian refugees the support they so desperately need and deserve, the government is also denying the public the opportunity to do whatever they can to help.

In an earlier article, I referred to the government’s handling of the Ukrainian refugee crisis as “world-beating indifference”. But it’s worse than that. In Yvette Cooper’s words, it’s a “total disgrace”. We can do better than this. And we should.