Were it not for Vladimir Putin’s illegal war, this week’s Eurovision would have taken place in Kyiv.
The song festival was established nearly 70 years ago as a way of bringing the people of Europe together.
That spirit of togetherness is more important than ever at a time when conflict has once again darkened the continent’s doors.
Tonight’s final will be a joyous celebration but it will also be a chance to stand with the people of Ukraine as they battle invaders.
It is disappointing that the organisers have not allowed President Volodymyr Zelensky to make a video address.
To argue his speech would have breached impartiality rules is a nonsense. It became political the moment Putin’s invasion forced the event to be moved to Liverpool.
As the substitute host city Liverpool has done the people of Ukraine and this country proud. In the words of the Beatles, we hope you will enjoy the show.
Mother’s love
It took Sharon Henderson 30 years to see justice finally done.
Yesterday David Boyd was convicted of murdering her seven-year-old daughter Nikki in 1992. This moment would never have come about were it not for Ms Henderson’s bravery.
During her long and often lonely quest to find Nikki’s killer her concerns were ignored, evidence was overlooked and wrong arrests were made.
It was only after she gathered a petition calling for a proper inquiry that the police agreed to a second cold case review.
Nothing can replace the loss of a child but we hope that she finds comfort from knowing Nikki’s murderer is now behind bars.
Wonder-wall
A widowed grandmother has won a waterfront house in Cornwall worth £4.5million.
She can now post photos of the dream home on Insta-gran.
