BORIS Johnson has been accused of "virtue signalling" after sending a letter of support to children in Ukraine while a cost-of-living crisis endures in the UK.
The Prime Minister said in his letter to Ukrainian youngsters that the UK "stands with you" as war in the country continues and told them "you are not alone" and should be "immensely proud".
But a political activist on Twitter has slated the move by Johnson and accused him of doing nothing for "cold and impoverished" children at home.
Mike Galsworthy, founder of the Scientists for EU campaign group, shared Johnson's letter on Twitter and said: "How ridiculous is this? We have children cold & malnourished in this country… but rather than DO anything about it, he takes the option of writing to “all the children of Ukraine”.
"As if children of Ukraine are going to sit around reading his letter. Pure virtue signalling.
A poll showed yesterday one in five Scots are running out of money before payday, with Citizens Advice Scotland warning it was a sign of the growing cost-of-living crisis.
How ridiculous is this?
— Mike Galsworthy 🇺🇦 (@mikegalsworthy) May 23, 2022
We have children cold & malnourished in this country… but rather than DO anything about it, he takes the option of writing to “all the children of Ukraine”.
As if children of Ukraine are going to sit around reading his letter. Pure virtue signalling. https://t.co/JXPn3fWU2s
The UK Government is coming under immense pressure to support people financially, especially after the boss of EON, Michael Lewis, warned a staggering 40% of his customers could be facing fuel poverty when the energy price cap is hiked again in October.
Johnson's letter said: "I cannot imagine how difficult this year must have been for you. But I want you to keep two things in mind.
READ MORE: Boris Johnson must come before parliament to explain rule-breaking, says Ian Blackford
"The first is you should be immensely proud. Many of you have experienced things no child should have to witness. Yet, everyday Ukrainian children are teaching us all what it means to be strong and dignified. I can think of no better role model for adults and children everywhere.
"And the second thing is you are not alone. You may be separated from your friends at home, but you have millions of others all over the world.
"I believe that Ukraine is going to win this war. I hope with all my heart that, one day soon, you will be free to return to your homes, your schools, your families. And whatever happens, we in the UK will never forget you and will always be proud to call you our friends."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel