In various parts of the world, such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan, there are ongoing conflicts and significant loss of life that may seem distant from us. Nonetheless, the UK is currently engaged in a covert conflict with Russia. While physical attacks may not be occurring on our soil, Russia is engaging in more covert forms of aggression.
Russia has been conducting activities like sending spy ships to target undersea cables carrying critical infrastructure like the internet and electricity. Additionally, they have used lasers against RAF planes and disrupted GPS signals for UK ships. The assassination of Dawn Sturgess in Salisbury in 2018 by Russian operatives also serves as a reminder of the extent of Russian aggression.
On a daily basis, the UK faces cyber threats from Russia, with ransomware groups associated with the Kremlin actively targeting the country. The potential for attacks on essential services like the electricity grid or transportation network looms as a credible future threat, as highlighted by warnings from the UK Government.
The conflict in Ukraine has seen minimal territorial shifts, indicating that Russia is pursuing broader objectives beyond just land acquisition. Russia’s ambitions extend to undermining democracy and freedoms cherished by Western nations. This conflict is not solely about territorial gains, as Russia aims to suppress democratic values through autocratic means.
A critical component of any peace agreement with Ukraine must include robust security guarantees. In 1994, the UK, the US, and France signed an agreement to ensure Ukraine’s security and independence, with Russia committing not to use military force against Ukraine. However, Russia violated this agreement in 2014, prompting a more significant conflict in 2022. The response from the UK and its allies has been to provide military aid and defense support to Ukraine.
Ukraine is rightfully demanding stronger security assurances in any ceasefire agreement with Russia, advocating for the deployment of troops from the UK and NATO allies within its borders to deter further aggression. With troops already stationed in Estonia and other NATO countries positioned near Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, the UK is obligated to defend its allies against Russian threats.
While hopes for a ceasefire persist, readiness to demonstrate strength and resilience against Russian aggression is paramount. The need to support music venues and recording studios, vital to the UK’s music industry, is crucial for sustaining jobs and opportunities in the sector. Failing to extend business rates relief to these establishments could lead to closures and hinder the growth of the music industry.
The recent imprisonment of former Welsh Reform UK leader Nathan Gill for accepting pro-Russian bribes underscores the corrupting influence of money in politics. Calls for stricter regulations on donations and spending to ensure political power remains with the electorate rather than wealthy donors are gaining momentum.
Looking ahead to 2026, significant changes are on the horizon with the introduction of the Renters Right Act, aiming to reduce disparities between renters and homeowners. Initiatives like banning excessive rent payments and regulating the student letting market are steps towards a more equitable renting landscape.