Letter from Mark Langabeer, Hastings and Rye Labour member
The propaganda machine of the British Establishment continues. Zelensky addresses a packed UK Parliament (pictured) via a live link, with references to Churchill’s speech.
This is his attempt to secure a no-fly zone which would drag the UK into the conflict. When it comes to foreign policy, Britain will slavishly follow whatever line is dictated by the US. At the present time, the US are opposed. However, Biden has announced an embargo on Russian oil and gas, saying that this will cause ‘pain’, but it is a necessary price for ‘freedom’. In reality, it will be small change for the billionaire class and even a profit bonanza for the oil and gas companies.
Reports suggests that the US will source oil from other countries like Saudi Arabia and laughably, Venezuela. Many readers will know that the US have sanctioned Venezuela since 2019, as always, in the name of ‘freedom and democracy’. I watched a report on the BBC which suggested that Maduro is likely to win the next presidential election, despite economic problems. Here’s the rub: placing sanctions on ordinary people in Russia could have the opposite effect to what is intended. It never worked in Cuba or anywhere else that I can think of.
Then there Is Zelensky’s regime; if you believe the press and TV, is an example to us all. But, the BEEB did report the experience of a women of colour. She and other refugees of colour had to join a separate queue for black and Asian people. They were made to wait longer than the rest of the refugees. I only watched this report the once , unlike most reports, which are repeatedly televised. In my view, Labour’s frontbench are justified in criticising Putin’s invasion, but to give uncritical support to Zelensky will prove a mistaken policy. History will demonstrate that Zelensky as much as Putin is an enemy of the labour movement in Britain and internationally.
