Douglas Alexander MP, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, on the continuing crisis in the Ukraine, said:

“As Ed Miliband said this morning, there is no justification for Russian actions that violate the territorial integrity of Ukraine, which is protected under international law.

"The emergency session of the UN Security Council failed to reach agreement on how to move forward. So it is now vital that in their meetings in the coming days, NATO and the EU must show unity and speak with one voice in seeking a diplomatic resolution to this crisis.

"NATO must stand firm in support of its members and the security and stability of the region, while the EU must be willing to act quickly, both to engage directly with the Russians and with the new government in Ukraine, to try and find a way forward.

"The international community must send a clear and uncompromising message to Russia, that if it wants to stay an active member of the international community, it must change course.

"The priority now must be to avoid the possibility of a further military escalation and the UK Government will have Labour’s support in its efforts, along with others, to try to find a diplomatic resolution to this crisis in the days ahead.”

Ends.