Columnist Criticizes UK Prime Minister's Use of Soldiers in Diplomatic Display
Peter Hitchens argues that Prime Minister Andy Burnham's deployment of the Irish Guards outside Downing Street for Ukrainian President Zelensky's visit was an unconstitutional misuse of military personnel and an escalation of aid that has harmed Ukraine.
Columnist Peter Hitchens has strongly criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham for deploying soldiers of the Irish Guards in full ceremonial uniform outside his Downing Street office during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit. Hitchens argued in a recent column that this action constituted a serious breach of the UK's constitution, as Burnham, not being the head of state or commander-in-chief, usurped privileges belonging to the Crown.
Hitchens suggested that the deployment was intended to impress Zelensky, but asserted that such partisan use of soldiers is precisely what the monarchy is meant to prevent. He expressed hope that Burnham would face consequences for what he termed "arrogance."
The columnist also questioned the broader UK policy towards Ukraine, characterizing it as an "unthinking romance" with a country to which the UK does not have an alliance. He noted the consistent flying of the Ukrainian flag from British Government offices, a privilege not extended to other nations, contrasting it with the absence of the Falklands flag over Whitehall during that conflict.
According to Hitchens, this extensive support has not benefited Ukraine but rather prolonged its "agony" and "trapped" the country in a "forever war." He detailed the human cost, including widespread death, injury, displacement, and destruction of cities, stating that the assistance pushes peace further away and "stokes the furnaces of war."
Hitchens further contended that Britain is not in a position to offer such substantial aid. He cited the nation's declining military strength and substantial public debt, which reached nearly £3 trillion, equivalent to 94 percent of GDP, by the end of July. He detailed that since 2014, the UK has sent £25 billion to Ukraine, with nearly £14 billion allocated to military assistance, including missiles, air defense systems, tanks, and drones.
The columnist lamented the lack of public debate on this policy, suggesting that any criticism is met with "slanderous insults and claims of treachery." He urged Burnham to cease "playing at soldiers."
In separate commentary, Hitchens also raised concerns about the BBC's coverage of the Lucy Letby case and criticized the Turkish government's actions against opposition media, drawing parallels between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.