Boris leads standing ovation for Ukraine ambassador in the House of Commons as MPs don ribbons and dress in blue and yellow to show support

Boris Johnson today led a rare standing ovation in the House of Commons as the Ukraine ambassador was in the chamber.

Mr Johnson and MPs from all sides clapped and cheered after being informed that Vadym Prystaiko was attending PMQs.

Many members had dressed in the Ukraine national colours of blue and yellow and were wearing ribbons to show support against the invasion by Russia.  

Speaker Lindsay Hoyle noted after the ovation that clapping is not usually allowed in the Commons, but on this occasion it was warranted. 

Mr Johnson announced that the Disasters Emergency Committee has launched an humanitarian appeal, and the government will match every pound donated by the public – starting with an initial £20million. 

Boris Johnson and MPs from all sides clapped and cheered after being informed that Vadym Prystaiko was attending PMQs

Mr Johnson walked over to the Commons from Downing Street with Ukrainian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko (right) 

Mr Johnson (left) said Putin had ‘gravely miscalculated’. Sir Keir (right) was wearing a ribbon in Ukraine colours

After the mark of respect, Mr Johnson told MPs: ‘Putin has gravely miscalculated; in his abhorrent assault on a sovereign nation, he has underestimated the extraordinary fortitude of the Ukrainian people and the unity and resolve of the free world in standing up to his barbarism.

‘The UN General Assembly will vote later today and we call on every nation to join us in condemning Russia and demanding that Putin turns his tanks around.

‘If instead Putin doubles down then so shall we, further ratcheting up economic pressure and supporting Ukraine with finance, with weapons and with humanitarian assistance.

‘Today the Disasters Emergency Committee is launching its Ukraine appeal and every pound donated by the British people will be matched by the Government, starting with £20million.’

The PM said he told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a call this morning that the UK would ‘do everything we can’ to speed up the process of getting weapons to his forces.

‘We are certainly determined to do everything we can to help Ukrainians fleeing the theatre of conflict.’ 

MPs turned to pay tribute to the people of Ukraine after hearing that the ambassador was attending PMQs 

Some MPs had dressed in Ukraine nation colours of blue and yellow and were wearing ribbons to show their support

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