A BRITISH MP who visited war-torn Ukraine to deliver aid made advances towards his translator – texting her: “I want you.”
Lib Dem Cameron Thomas has been accused of “abusing his power” by sending the messages to the Ukrainian translater assigned to his trip.
GettyCameron Thomas [far left] with fellow Lib Dems including leader Sir Ed Davey [centre][/caption]
GettyUkraine – destruction after a Russian shelling[/caption]
The newly-elected MP for Tewkesbury also texted the woman: “I wish I could stay with you for a few days.”
He sent the messages – seen by The Sun on Sunday – while on an official trip to Kyiv in February this year to mark the third anniversary of the war.
The delegation included other MPs and political aides.
Mr Thomas, 42, then went on to deliver aid to Kharkiv, near the frontline of fighting.
A Tory MP aware of the allegations said: “Given the courage and sacrifice shown by Ukrainians in the fight for their country’s very existence, it is unthinkable that one of our MPs should be treating an official visit to a warzone in this way.
“To abuse his power as an MP by preying on a young woman is disgraceful.
“The Liberal Democrats should remove the whip.”
GettyA residential area in Ukraine hit by Russian drone strikes[/caption]
Approached by The Sun on Sunday over the claims his behaviour was “inappropriate”, a spokesman for Mr Thomas said: “These are private messages between two people who have remained in contact.”
The Sun on Sunday also understands that Mr Cameron was using his UK personal phone in Ukraine.
Other politicians who have visited Ukraine on other trips have said they were advised not to take their UK phone, but to use a burner phone in Ukraine, because of the risk Russia could hack into them.
This raises questions over whether Mr Thomas’ phone was compromised on the trip.
A spokeswoman for Parliament refused to say what security advice was given to Mr Thomas for the visit.
Mr Thomas, who used to be in the RAF, has previously spoken about the trip, telling the BBC: “When we were dropping off aid you can feel the gratitude.
“They regularly cite our finest hour, the Battle of Britain, as a template for what they are doing – standing up to a far superior power and holding their own, and that makes me proud to be British.”
A Parliament spokeswoman said: “The Parliamentary Security Department provides advice to Members of Parliament on overseas travel which draws on FCDO advice. However, we are unable to comment on specific cases.”
The Lib Dems declined to comment.
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