'No more war' - Ukraine boy's plea in parliament

A 13-year-old boy has made a speech at the House of Lords two years after arriving from Ukraine with no English.

Andrii Rokotianskyi urged an end to wars, citing "death, destruction and famine" caused by the conflict with Russia.

He told the meeting: "I was scared and upset because of leaving my house, leaving my friends, leaving everything behind."

The Year 9 pupil, who lives in Poole, Dorset, was speaking to an invited audience of dignitaries after coming second in a national speech-writing competition.

In his three-minute address, Andrii said: "Our world has been consumed by war.

"I had to leave Ukraine because of war, because it was dangerous to live in my home.

"So many lives have been lost. Putin has bullied Ukraine and many people are concerned about nuclear conflict maybe in the future.

"As humans, we must do better. As humans, we must try to build a world without war."

Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and former Scotland First Minister Lord Jack McConnell were among those listening.

Also in the audience was Nicky Cox MBE, the editor of children's newspaper First News which organised the competition.

Afterwards, Andrii, who has studied public speaking at St Edward's School, said he was "extremely proud".

He added: "I hope my speech can help people understand the importance of peace and the impact war has on children like me."

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