David Lammy: We must show nerve in support for Ukraine

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden met in Washington to discuss the issue.

There had been strong indications the US and the UK were poised to lift the restrictions on long-range missiles but no confirmation came after the talks.

Discussions are expected to continue at the UN General Assembly in New York next week, which Sir Keir and Biden are attending alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other world leaders.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukrainian cities and front lines have been under regular bombardment.

Many of these missiles are launched by aircraft deep inside Russia and Kyiv says not being allowed to hit the bases from which these attacks are launched hinders its ability to defend itself.

Zelensky has repeatedly pleaded for the restrictions on the use of long-range missiles to be lifted.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against this, arguing it would represent “direct participation” by Western allies in the war.

Ukraine’s allies have been reluctant to do anything which could drag them into direct conflict with Moscow.