Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has called on the UK government to "ramp up" sanctions on Russia.

    Speaking to BBC Radio 4's World at One programme, he says Western powers need to continue their support for Ukraine, including supplying more military equipment, while avoiding direct conflict with Russia.

    "Everybody understands why every step has to be taken to prevent this escalating into a direct Nato on Russia conflict," he says.

    "That is why we need to provide more military support, that's why sanctions have to be ramped up again further and faster and that's why we need to have a stronger, more compassionate humanitarian response.

    "What we need to do is to continue to provide that level of support, continue to support the Ukrainians, and ramp up those sanctions which need to go beyond just isolating Russia. They have to cripple its ability to function."