The Russians

Agree Jane. The Fins have always had to be wary. Which doesn’t make fir being the happiest in Europe. We (uk) came out higher ie happier than before. Now that is surprising in these uncertain times.
I don’t believe it......

Ridiculous surveys based on unrepresentative samples. Having been to Finland there is dark suspicion of Russia pushing boundaries. Russian troops dressed up as indigenous people going on. Shootings. British army involved. I'm not happy about it and I'm not even Finnish!

I heard this week on R4 that Finland is the happiest country either in the world or definitely in Europe so they can’t be too bothered byRussia. Which is surprising since Russia has been flexing its muscles since losing its empire after the Berlin Wall came down in 89.

Jane, I came across this recently - though it was actually written last summer:
www.nato-pa.int/download-file?filename=sites/default/files/2019-03/255%20DSCTC%2018%20E%20Mission%20Report%20Estonia%20and%20Finland.pdf
It’s from a NATO Sub-Committee on Defence and Security Cooperation and does cover Finland.

I wouldn't say our eye was off the ball. It might seem that way given that we hear nothing but Brexit on the News but our armed forces still have a job to do.

I agree EV Putin was probably the best reason for voting Remain ( and now we can add Trump as a second reason)

Putin is probably hoping upon hope that we sever ties with the EU--------this is why we shouldn't leave whatever happens.

Yes. Our eye's pretty firmly off the ball! Russia must be revelling in the distraction. Poor Finland though.

I don't envy her position at all Jane10 but do wish she'd created a cross-party pro-anti grouping with collective responsibility to sort out Brexit right at the start. My family and I were amazed she didn't want to at least share the Brexit pain right at the start! If only we'd had all the indicative votes straight after the referendum we maybe would have got on to proper discussions around the Baltic etc.

It's 5 years now since the military annexation of Crimea with all the tensions there and "celebratory" visit from Putin, the detention of Ukrainian ships by the US just before Christmas and the collapse of the "missiles ban". I'm no Russia expert but do think sanctions have only made him more popular and we have taken our eye off the ball.

So poor old TM is also being briefed about the incursions into Finland and British army involvement there as well as the Brexit debacle and trying to run the rest of the country. A lot more for her to be worried about!

There have been several interviews and articles about how they are wanting us out of the EU too I notice. Divide and conquer. They apparently also contributed to promotion of online pro-Brexit propaganda so you’re right they would undoubtedly interfere in any forthcoming election.
And as for human rights - Oyub Titiev appears to have had the case against him fabricated to punish him for his work. What a place!