Taking a stand against Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Taking a stand against Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine

Op Ed: UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Rt Hon Amanda Milling MP

I was delighted to visit the Cayman Islands recently, and I was impressed by all the hard work that has gone into making Cayman a responsible and reputable financial centre working to implement the highest standards.

The Cayman Islands, along with the sister Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom, is part of a unique family that span the globe, covering nine time zones. Whilst each member of the family is distinct, we are bound together by our shared values.

can often be bruising, and it is easy to take for granted the free and open societies we have established. However, events in Eastern Europe give us good reason not to be complacent, but also for us all to take a stand against Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.

There is no justification for the scenes of school children huddled seeking shelter in basements from missile attacks, nor of elderly Ukrainians forced to leave behind their family homes in the freezing winter. The Ukrainian people will have been heartened to see their flag flying proudly across the Overseas Territories. The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, something President Zelensky has recognised.

The Overseas Territories are approximately 270,000 people, control enormous swathes of ocean across the world, and have a pivotal role to play in global shipping and finance. Recently I held a call with the leaders of the Overseas Territories to listen to their views, thank them for the principled stand they had already taken and their immediate work to ensure that sanctions against President Putin and his associates are implemented in full. This united front shown by the Overseas Territories and the United Kingdom is an excellent example of how together we are a force for good on the world stage.

To some this may feel like just another distant war, but this war of choice started by President Putin will have a profound impact on global supply chains when the cost of living has already risen sharply. Crucially, all our values are at risk if we don’t take action. When this conflict is over, it will be clear who was on the right side of history. I believe the Overseas Territories should be proud of the role they have to play and principled stand they have taken.