Is Adam Holloway's trip to Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion an act of foolhardy recklessness or of worthwhile bravery, or a bit of both?

Opinion has been divided on the Gravesham MP's decision to visit the war-stricken country since he stepped over the Ukraine border earlier this week and appeared on TV to report on the situation.

Among the first to criticise was Downing Street, with a spokesman stating Mr Holloway should not have travelled and ignored Foreign Office advice.

But the 56-year-old former solider and foreign correspondent hit back, stating he was trying to make a contribution to the situation and that he had travelled to war zones previously - with visits to Afghanistan drawing praise from MOD and government officials.

Since then the debate has continued among Mr Holloway's constituents and people around the country - some praising his visit, and saying they were proud of him, and others condemning it.

Gravesend man Ross Coleman noted Mr Holloway was an ex army officer, adding: "I wouldn’t be surprised if the witnessing he was going for involved getting an AK47 and joining in against Putin’s forces!

Fair play to him."

Adrian Taylor, originally from Gravesend, now in Birmingham, added: "Dangerous and reckless but at least went there not sat in an rickety old crumbling building talking hot air and saw for himself what is going on."

While another Facebook commentator added: "He did a great job letting GB know more of what’s going on and we in Gravesend are proud of him.

"He was a serving officer in a lot of places and a fighting one as well. He knows more and what and where to look for then any BBC person."

But others dismissed the value of an MP witnessing events in Ukraine first hand.

"He's already spent more time there than he does in the Commons or in his constituency," said Damon Trott from Gravesend, while former Labour councillor Rob Halpin, from Northfleet, said Mr Holloway was "just a 'publicity hog'".

He added. "What contribution can he make at a border, where thousands are fleeing the terror of a regime that his Party were more than happy to be bank-rolled by."

Mr Halpin accused Mr Holloway of ignoring issues back in his constituency and the rest of the UK, such as the cost of living, housing, social care and the 'mental health crisis', adding: "With all this going on in Gravesham and beyond, it's no wonder why the Polish border is more of a draw on our MPs time....and we vote for this guy???? That's what's incredible!"

Meanwhile the debate also raged in the comments section of Kent Online.

'Honestly' wrote: "Holloway, you are a disgrace ignoring rules, putting yourself in that situation, pretending to be brave, but of no use to the Ukrainians.

"We have enough brave reporters, in Ukraine, risking their lives. They are already doing a fantastic job of letting us have all the latest, and live news. Let's hope they all come back safely, without idiots like you interfering."

But 'Greatest 27th Pick Ever', responded: "Just him being there is creating news and helping to spread the information regards the barbarity of the Russians behaviour and the needs of the Ukrainians. Hard to fathom why so many laptop warriors feel justified in attacking him from their bedrooms when he has got off of his backside and tried to do some good in what limited way he can."