The deployment of NATO troops is a crucial response to defend Europe against the monstrous dictator Putin

power for good

THE massive NATO troop deployment is a vital response to defend Europe against a monstrous dictator that will otherwise keep coming.

Some who believe that Putin can be mollified will view it as a provocation, just as they foolishly believe that NATO provoked him in the first place.

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Both claims are nonsense and misjudge his character and motive.

Putin sees his destiny as building a new Russian empire through conquest that stretches well beyond Ukraine’s borders.

His TV channels are awash with Kremlin henchmen spelling it out and urging him to do so.

Yesterday his mass-murdering barbarians bombed a crowded mall.

Their depravity knows no bounds.

The West cannot just keep its fingers crossed.

We did that for 20 years. Look how it turned out.

But the best deterrent of all are not these new NATO forces, welcome as they are.

It’s about continuing to arm and support Ukraine to ward off Putin’s hordes.

This will continue to hit us hard financially.

But a key lesson from Putin’s dysfunctional war is this: We can’t have freedom for free.

time to act

WE don’t need mere hints from the Prime Minister that more aid is coming with rising bills.

Nor do we need more Boris “boosterism” — the sunny optimism he believes boosts morale even when there’s little to celebrate.

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This tactic is worn out.

We now need direct and rapid action.

Boris says he understands the pain ordinary people feel at the supermarket checkout or at the gas pump.

Good PM . . Use your powers to make it easier.

Lowering the fuel tax again is a start – but only if retailers are forced to pass it on.

Your record is pathetic. We also need a reduction in VAT and environmental taxes on energy.

And it wouldn’t just help families and businesses.

It would help Boris cement his own precarious position in his party.

As rebellious backbencher David Davis says, “We want our government to stop talking about tax cuts and go through with them, so we’re no longer the highest-taxing Tory government in history.”

Absolutely right.

lose gambling

WHY can’t the Tories just say no to nanny state lobby outfits?

What does the government get out of banning betting promotions and enforcing affordability checks for all gamblers?

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We know they are trying to address problem gambling. But are you talking about a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

The damage to racing and the Treasury’s own tax revenues will be enormous.

And gamblers could abandon legitimate bookmakers for more shady ones that cause them less heartache.

If voters wanted constant, intimidating socialist interference in their lives, they would vote for Labor governments.

Will the Tories listen? Don’t bet on it.