AN ex-Tory MP has left behind politics and joined the Ukrainian International Legion to fight against Putin’s terror invasion.
The former deputy chair of the Conservative Party, Jack Lopresti, who lost his seat at the last general election will now be based in Kyiv to aid logistical support for Ukraine’s embattled frontline forces.
Ex-MP Jack Lopresti confirmed he will join the Ukrainian International Legion (pictured 18 months ago)x @JackLopresti
x @JackLoprestiPhoto taken on the front line near Zaporizhzhia 18 months ago when Lopresti was still an MP and visited to see British kit and equipment in action[/caption]
The 55-year-old lost his seat in JulyDarren Fletcher – The Sun
Lopresti previously represented Filton and Bradley Stoke in Gloucestershire for 14 years.
The ex-MP had visited Ukraine before – while in parliament – and was a strong voice pushing the government to send more money to Volodymyr Zelensky.
He was also the parliamentary chairman of the Conservative Friends of Ukraine group.
Lopresti went back to Ukraine in November, after he lost his seat in July, to help a charity.
The ex-MP revealed he has since decided to join the Ukrainian military as a volunteer.
Lopresti said: “I did apply to join the legion in November. It took a while to find the best unit to utilize my experience and skills.”
He will not be fighting on the frontline, but his military duties and focus include foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement, and some work with veterans’ charities in Ukraine.
A statement on X said: “He is currently serving with the International Legion of Ukraine Defence Intelligence.
“In addition to his military duties his focus includes foreign relations and diplomacy, weapons procurement and supporting veterans and other charities operating in Ukraine.”
The military will not be a completely new journey for the ex-MP as he served as a corporal in the UK Army Reserve, before hitting the world of Westminster.
Lopresti joined a cross-party UK Parliamentary delegation that travelled across Ukraine last week.
He revealed this journey included a visit to Kyiv’s main children’s hospital, veterans’ rehabilitation centres, and met with military commanders in Kharkiv.
Lopresti said he believed he was fighting for Ukraine but also for Europe.
He said: “It is a huge honour and an immense privilege for me to serve in the Ukrainian military and help the gallant and amazing Ukrainian people in any way I can.
“They are not only fighting for their freedom and their right to exist as an independent and sovereign nation but they are also fighting for all of us in Europe and the rest of the free world.
“If Putin wins in Ukraine we all know he won’t stop there.”
The ex-Tory also issued a terrifying warning about Putin‘s allies.
Lopresti said: “Dictators have to be defeated or they never stop.
“The ramifications would also be enormous for the rest of the world particularly in places like Taiwan.
“With the authoritarian axis of dictatorships – China, Iran and North Korea – on the march and clearly working together Ukraine must be supported and given the tools to win for all our sakes.”
He went back to Ukraine in November, after he lost his seat in July, to help a charity (pictured 18 months ago)x @JackLopresti
ReutersHe was the former deputy chair of the Conservative Party and an MP for 14 years[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
