As leaders gather in London today for urgent talks on Ukraine, one truth should sit at the heart of every discussion: this is not simply a diplomatic meeting, it is a moral test – for the UK, for Europe, and for every democratic nation that claims to stand for freedom.

Nearly three years into Russia’s brutal and illegal invasion, Ukraine continues to pay the highest price imaginable. Cities still scarred by missile strikes, families scattered across continents, children growing up under the shadow of war -these are not abstract foreign-policy concerns, they are the lived reality of a people fighting, day after day, for their very right to exist. Yet, as international attention inevitably drifts and domestic political pressures mount, momentum behind Ukraine’s defence has begun to falter.

In Washington, support has been stalled and weaponised by partisan politics. In sections of Europe, fatigue has crept in. Even here in the UK, once the most outspoken ally, cross-party unity is showing signs of strain. That is precisely why today’s talks matter. They are a chance to reset, to reaffirm, and to recommit. And the UK – as a nation that claims to assert global leadership – must seize that chance with clarity and conviction.

Moral leadership starts with honesty. The war is not “stalemated” because Ukraine has failed; it is stalled because the democratic world had not provided Ukraine with the long-term, predictable support it needs. Putin is betting on our hesitation, on division, exhaustion, and short political memories. If he is proven right, the consequences will be catastrophic-not just for Ukraine, but for every small democracy that relies on international law instead of military might.

So the UK must do three things today. First, we must reaffirm – unambiguously – that we stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes – not for as long as opinion polls allow, not for as long as it is politically convenient. For as long as it takes. Security assistance must move from ad-hoc packages to sustained, multi-year commitments that give Ukraine the certainty it needs to plan and defend.

Second, Britain and our European partners must accelerate efforts to close the “capability gap”: the shortage of air defence systems, long-range missiles, and ammunition that is costing lives every day. Warm words are not enough, the industrial base must be expanded, stockpiles replenished, and procurement sped up-because Ukraine cannot fight on promises.

Third, we must confront the moral dimension head-on. This isn’t just geopolitics; it is a defence of the rules-based order itself. If an authoritarian state can attempt to erase a sovereign nation without consequence, then no treaty, no institution, and no democratic guarantee holds any weight.

For we Liberal Democrats, this is fundamental. Our party has always stood for internationalism, human rights, and the principle that Britain does best when it works with allies, not when it retreats into isolation.

Today is a moment to embody those values. History will ask whether Europe stood firm when Ukraine needed us most, whether we met the test, or shrank from it.

Today in our capital city, leaders have the chance to choose the path of moral leadership. They must take it.

Why I challenged Wes Streeting on Friday: My Mum’s Story Deserves Answers Not Political Deflection

When I joined fellow campaigners from the Just Treatment group outside Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s constituency office on Friday, I did so for one reason only: because emergency care failures are costing lives.

I know all too well of the lived reality of the crisis in care. My beloved mum waited eleven hours for an ambulance after a fall at home in July 2022. She died two days later.

That tragedy – and the immense pain it caused my family – is why I’ve spent years campaigning for change. It has nothing to do with party politics and everything to do with preventing other families from going through the same trauma that we did, yet when I questioned Mr Streeting directly about ambulance delays, A&E pressures, the ongoing crisis in emergency care (as well as private providers donations to his office and why he wouldn’t agree to meet with Just Treatment patient leaders… which he now says he will), he tried to dismiss what I was saying by pointing out that I’m a Liberal Democrat – as though my party membership somehow invalidated my and my dear mum’s experience or my right to demand answers.

It was an attempt to sidestep the issue, to imply that it was political theatre rather than lived grief and urgent moral concern.

But the truth is simple: the NHS is still failing far too many people, and people are still being put at risk. This is not about political point-scoring. It is about accountability, compassion, and a determination that no one else should lose a loved one the way I lost mine.

Norris vs McIlroy: A SPOTY Showdown of Character and Class

Away from Westminster and Whitehall, a far friendlier contest is taking shape: Lando Norris vs Rory Mcllroy for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

And what a potential choice it is. Norris has had a breakthrough Formula 1 season-a likeable, grounded young Brit who has matured into a World Champion (as of yesterday’s decision-making last race of the season) and brought real excitement back to McLaren fans. Meanwhile, Mcllroy continues to be one of the most compelling figures in world sport. His consistency, his sheer talent, and his willingness to take principled stands-particularly in the factious debate around the future of golf-make him more than an athlete; he’s a leader.

Both men embody resilience and excellence in their own way.

Whether you’re Team Norris or Team Mcllroy (or, indeed, the other men and women vying for the prize) this year’s SPOTY feels like a celebration of sporting character as much as achievement.

* Mathew Hulbert is a former Councillor, is a regular commentator on TV and Radio, and is Co-Host of the Political Frenemies podcast.