Boris Johnson made a surprise appearance at a Ukrainian church in London on Sunday evening, as he confirmed that immediate family members fleeing Russian persecution will be able to join Ukrainians settled in Britain.
Churchgoers at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Mayfair – formerly known, ironically, as the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile – were surprised to see the Prime Minister at an evening service dedicated to peace in Ukraine.
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As the congregation whipped out their phones to document his appearance, Johnson – a fellow Catholic – took to the church altar announcing that the move to welcome immediate relatives will “benefit many thousands of people who at this moment are making desperate choices about their future”.
More than simply announcing a set of new measures, Johnson used his address to articulate a sense of unity with the people of Ukraine. He referenced the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the Gospel of Luke as a reason to help Britain’s “neighbours” at this moment of peril.
“The candle of freedom may burn low in Ukraine,” he said. “I want you to know that we in the UK will stand by Ukraine… until that candle blazes bright again.”
An immensely powerful speech from Johnson, which resonated with those attending church who stood up in applause chanting “thank you”.
