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Ukraine and Wider Operational Update 2026-01-07
07 January 2026
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 48
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Defence John Healey raised concerns about ukraine and wider operational update 2026-01-07 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today the US conducted a military operation to intercept the motor vessel Bella 1 in the north Atlantic on its way to Russia. The UK, at the request of the US, supported this operation as part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions-busting and shadow shipping activity. Following a request from the US, I authorised the use of UK bases and deployment of Royal Navy and RAF assets to support the operation, including airborne surveillance and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Tideforce. This was a US operation; no UK personnel took part in the boarding. The Bella 1 is now under control of US forces after refusing to comply with sanctions jurisdiction. We supported this action to enforce counter-Iran sanctions, tackle global security threats from shadowy maritime activity, and reinforce British homeland defence and security. Since 2024, the vessel has transported Iranian crude oil worth $35 million over four years, contributing to instability worldwide by financing terrorism, threat, and instability. This operation also counters Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, with sanctions forcing 200 ships off seas—almost half of Russia's shadow fleet capacity—and reducing Russia's critical oil revenues by 27%. The UK will not stand by as malign activity increases on high seas; alongside allies, we are stepping up response against shadow vessels. We also support military planning for a long-term peace deal in Ukraine and have secured £50 billion in military aid pledges last year.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Question
James Cartlidge thanked the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement and welcomed the Government's efforts to support Ukraine. He emphasised that Putin’s illegal invasion remains the most critical military action affecting Britain’s security and expressed hope for a lasting peace with credible security guarantees.
Robert Jenrick
Con
North Devon
Question
Can the Secretary of State provide further information on troop numbers and the composition of the force to be deployed in Ukraine? What air and naval assets does he plan to contribute as part of the multinational force?
Minister reply
Specific details regarding troop numbers and military asset contributions are being withheld for strategic reasons. The declaration signifies an advance towards peace but exact commitments from other nations remain undisclosed.
Slough
Question
How will the deployment of British troops to Ukraine affect existing military commitments, especially in Estonia? Does my right hon. Friend agree that any attempts by a NATO ally to seize NATO territory would not be in our collective interests?
Minister reply
The deployment will depend on precise details of the ceasefire agreement and additional support from allies. The future of Greenland is for Greenlanders and Denmark to determine, maintaining Danish sovereignty within NATO.
Lewes
Question
Can the Secretary of State give some detail on what a credible cessation of hostilities means in practice? What are the conditions under which British troops would conduct combat operations if hostilities were to resume?
Minister reply
The deployment will only occur after a credible ceasefire agreement. Specifics regarding combat operations in case of resumed hostilities remain undisclosed for security reasons.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
The hon. Member thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and asked whether there is anything more that can be done to ensure Vladimir Putin is serious about peace.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that steps are being taken to increase economic pressure on Russia, strengthen military aid to Ukraine, and remain united in support of Ukraine until a lasting peace is secured.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Question
The right hon. Member commended the Secretary of State for his efforts on Ukraine and asked about ensuring credible security guarantees, a strong Ukrainian military, and a western military presence as prerequisites for lasting peace.
Minister reply
The Minister welcomed the three conditions outlined by Rishi Sunak and emphasised ongoing discussions with allies to ensure that Russia does not have a veto in these areas.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
The hon. Member expressed concern over the expansion of global security threats and questioned the shadow Attorney General's stance.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted the nefarious activities associated with the targeted tanker and criticised Reform party representatives for not supporting Ukrainian sovereignty.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Question
The hon. Member welcomed the statement and urged the Secretary of State to brief on detailed military numbers being considered.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised that while political declaration was made, detailed military planning will depend on the circumstances of a peace deal and noted no media briefing had occurred.
Alex Baker
Lab
Aldershot
Question
The hon. Member asked about establishing a multilateral defence bank to underpin security commitments.
Minister reply
The Minister affirmed the importance of financial guarantees for deterrence but did not provide specific details on the proposed initiative.
Claire Young
LD
Thornbury and Yate
Question
The UK remains one of the chief facilitators of the export of Russian gas, with UK-owned or UK-insured vessels having enabled the export of £45 billion-worth of Russian gas since the start of the war. Will the Secretary of State finally agree to ban the provision of all UK maritime services for the transport and insurance of Russian gas exports?
Minister reply
Where there are grounds for us as a nation and a Government to take action, particularly where we can do so alongside close allies, we have done so. We have sanctioned 544 ships that are part of the Russian shadow fleet operation. Wherever there are grounds to do more, we will look at that.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement and pay tribute to his leadership on this issue. Do those commitments extend to preventing the further forced deportation and militarisation of Ukrainian children, and if—as has been widely reported—we are 90% of the way towards a peace agreement, does that mean that Putin has agreed to hand back the more than 20,000 Ukrainian children he has stolen from that country?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is totally right to say that this issue must be at the forefront of our minds, and it is, as I know it is for Ukraine. We must ensure that this practice is prevented and that all Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped by Russia are returned in the very earliest stages of any peace negotiations.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Question
I welcome the Secretary of State coming to the House to update us on the commitment made by the Prime Minister last night, but I put on record my serious concerns about the commitment to put British troops on the ground. We need to look at funding, troop deployments and increasing numbers in the armed forces.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman speaks with military experience. The Prime Minister has confirmed today that any decision to deploy UK troops into Ukraine as part of the multinational force will be brought to this House for debate and a vote.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
Question
I very much welcome the Prime Minister’s leadership and the signing of the declaration of intent, but the vicious attacks by Putin on Ukraine over Christmas suggest that peace is still a long way off. Will my right hon. Friend update us on the military aid and support we are providing to Ukraine?
Minister reply
This Government have provided the highest ever level of spending on military aid directly to support Ukraine this year, including air defence systems and missiles. We work closely with the Ukrainians to help them develop new systems and weapons to stay ahead of Russian advancements.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
The Secretary of State knows of my support for the Government’s persistence over Ukraine, but I am deeply worried about deploying British troops into a war that has resulted in more than 2 million dead or wounded. Are we peacekeepers, or are we going to enforce the peace? Will the British Government now proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps?
Minister reply
There will be no deployment unless there is a peace agreement. The role of any British forces will primarily be one of reassurance and regeneration of Ukrainian forces against future Russian aggression.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
I wholeheartedly endorse the resolve across this House to continue to help Ukraine to prevail against this aggression. By extension, I therefore commend the armed forces personnel who enabled and assisted the US in this very slick interdiction of a rogue vessel—a key element of the funding of Russia’s war in Ukraine. There are other challenges in the High North as we speak. Our allies in the United States are apparently very concerned about the vulnerability of Greenland to Russian and Chinese aggression. What discussions has the Secretary of State had with our partners in the Joint Expeditionary Force nations about discussing with the Greenlandic peoples and the Government of Denmark how the JEF may deploy to Greenland, to allay those US fears?
Minister reply
I am sure that the US and the US military will welcome the strong support from the Scottish nationalists for their operation, and the congratulations that the hon. Gentleman offers; I shall ensure that the US Secretary of War is aware of that. On the question of Greenland, I have been in contact with the Danish Defence Minister. The Prime Minister was very clear in the joint declaration that he signed yesterday in Paris that Greenland is part of Denmark. Its sovereignty is not at stake, and it is defended by being part of NATO. Its security is guaranteed by all 32 member states, and any future for Greenland is a matter for the Greenlanders and the citizens of Denmark.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
I welcome the Government’s decision to increase defence spending to the highest level since the cold war, and the Teesside defence and innovation cluster stands ready to support the national interest. Will the Defence Secretary do everything possible to ensure that British steel is used across the defence industrial supply chain, so that national security is also economic security for Britain?
Minister reply
I welcome my hon. Friend’s observation that national security is founded on economic security. Economic security is dependent on strong national security; as an MP from the proud steelmaking town of Rotherham, I am very conscious of the commitment that this Government have made and of the imperative to ensure that as much as possible of what we procure through defence and more widely within Government, uses, whenever we can, British-produced steel, which is among the finest in the world.
Steve Barclay
Con
North East Cambridgeshire
Question
The Defence Secretary refused to say when the defence investment plan will be published, and there is a tension between the statement about the immediacy of the growing threats and the lack of urgency on funding as other areas of Government are prioritised. Does he recognise that other nations are moving now on funding? Why are the Government so complacent on funding that they are prioritising other Departments over moving now on defence?
Minister reply
I certainly do not accept the right hon. Gentleman’s characterisation. We have made a commitment as a new Government to put an extra £5 billion into defence. We have made the commitment to 2.5% of GDP—three years before his own unfunded commitment at the election—and we will raise that further. As for the work on the defence investment plan, we are dealing with a programme, which we inherited from his own Government, that was over budget and behind schedule. We are working hard to fix it.
Glasgow West
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement, and I thank him and the Prime Minister for their leadership on this issue. He rightly referred in his statement to the actions of the Finns last week in intercepting a rogue ship that was cutting, or suspected of cutting, cables. He also mentioned the operation of the Yantar, which has been spying on our cables. Given the activity of the Russians in the high north, does he agree with me that the deal with BAE Systems and Norway is important, not just because of the frigates that will be built, but because it is a sign of the co-operation between our two countries, and that our co-operation with NATO allies extends across the high north—with the exclusion, of course, of Russia?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is entirely right. I know she is very proud of her constituents who are part of the workforce that will build those frigates. This is not just the biggest ever warship export deal; it will set a new standard of countries, Norway and the UK, who are prepared to be able to combine and integrate their forces. By doing so, we will be in a stronger position to help deter Russian aggression and reinforce the security of the high north in future years.
Apsana Begum
Lab
Poplar and Limehouse
Question
We do not want an endless war in Ukraine. The people of Ukraine, and indeed the people here in the UK, need to see steps towards peace in the world, not more chaos, division and war. Will the Defence Secretary confirm whether, if the United States were to seek to seize ships taking, for example, oil to Cuba, where the US has unilateral sanctions in place, this Government would aid it?
Minister reply
I think my hon. Friend would not expect me to be able to, or to be prepared to, answer hypothetical questions. What I can say to her is that if the US, as our closest defence and security ally, asks for UK assistance, we will always be willing to respond. We will ensure that any support we do offer, whether it is support or a combined operation, will have a strong legal basis.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Question
I welcome the decisive leadership of the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister in supporting Ukraine. When the Foreign Affairs Committee met the Ukrainian Government, it highlighted the necessity of a strong sanctions regime that is joined up internationally. The actions taken today show just that: a sanctions regime with teeth that is joined up to stop the loopholes Putin uses to keep funding his illegal war, so I welcome the action taken today. Will the Secretary of State assure the House that the Government will continue to increase the stranglehold of sanctions and action to freeze and seize the assets? What will be done with those assets to enable them to be used to rebuild Ukraine—both now and in the future, when peace comes?
Minister reply
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her support for our actions today. She is right that sanctions are a key part of the package we have put together. The financial restrictions imposed by this country alone will be worth over £10 billion if they are not paid back to Ukraine.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
In relation to the rules of engagement for a multinational force, does the Secretary of State agree that they must not state 'Do not fire until fired upon' as this would fail to deter potential aggressors?
Minister reply
The proposed rules of engagement will be designed to support the purpose of deterring Russia and will reflect NATO's strong commitment to collective defence.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Question
Given current geopolitical threats, can the Secretary of State assure that we are fully funding and fulfilling the aims set out in the strategic defence review?
Minister reply
The times have changed but NATO remains a critical alliance. We will continue to play a leading role within it and ensure full funding for our commitments.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Question
Why did the UK participate in US-led military operations when there were concerns over international law breaches earlier this week? Additionally, can you assure me that UK financial services are not complicit in sanctions evasion?
Minister reply
The legal basis for our action was sound and we will investigate any evidence of breaches. The commitment to support the operation aligns with NATO's strong position against Russian aggression.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Question
What advice would you give the British public on being vigilant against increasing Russian cyber and social media attacks?
Minister reply
We are in a new era of threat demanding vigilance. This requires a stronger NATO, increased defence spending, and unity within democratic nations to counteract Russian aggression.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
Can the Secretary of State clarify whether participation in US-led monitoring of any future ceasefire is required or if we have the autonomy to withdraw?
Minister reply
The commitment was a political one led by the US. We would participate as part of our commitment to peace negotiations and securing security guarantees for Ukraine.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that unity within NATO is crucial in opposing Russian aggression, and that dissent from Reform MPs undermines this unity?
Minister reply
Unity against Putin's divisive tactics is essential. We must not let such divisions weaken our resolve.
John Glen
Con
Salisbury
Question
While the Government has committed to 3% defence spending by 2029, what reassurance can you give that this will be sufficient for immediate threats and national security?
Minister reply
The commitment marks a significant increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war. We are building a new deal for European security beyond NATO.
Smethwick
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that internal division within Parliament undermines public perception of national unity and security?
Minister reply
Internal divisions damage our status. A unified approach is necessary to combat external threats effectively.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Given concerns over US imperialism and recent oil politicisation, what steps will be taken to secure UK critical infrastructure?
Minister reply
The strategic defence review outlines a commitment to defending the homeland against rising threats. We are taking action as outlined in our strategy.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Question
What reassurance can you give military families about current security situations?
Minister reply
Growing anxiety underscores the need for increased defence funding, strategic commitments, and recognising the professionalism of our troops in these challenging times.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Question
Does my right hon. Friend share my concern at the leader of Reform today suggesting that he would vote against those security guarantees?
Minister reply
I do indeed. A secure Ukraine is at the heart of a secure Europe and at the heart of a secure UK, so all Members of this House will consider these issues if we get to the stage when we have a peace deal and a decision to deploy and command the multinational force in Ukraine.
Vikki Slade
Lib Dem
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Question
What assurance can the Secretary of State give on the US’s continued commitment to getting a peace deal in Ukraine? What contingencies are in place?
Minister reply
I have no doubt about President Trump's determination to help secure that peace deal. We must lend every support we can both to the Ukrainians and to the US, but it is also our job to test Putin’s approach during negotiations.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Question
Does the Secretary of State wonder when the leader of Reform will cease his adulation of Putin and support for British interests?
Minister reply
The primary purpose of the multinational force is not peacekeeping; it is to reassure Ukraine and help it regenerate its military strength. Ukrainian forces are their own best defence against potential Russian aggression.
Maldon
Question
Is there a danger that the agreement will make Russia less likely to accept a settlement and step up its military campaign? If so, how do we increase pressure on Russia?
Minister reply
Security guarantees are an essential element of any potentially successful peace negotiations. We want to be ready to play a role in securing long-term peace through the multinational force for Ukraine.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that continued strong UK leadership from our Prime Minister and commitment across this House is vital to enforcing sanctions on Russia?
Minister reply
I warmly welcome my hon. Friend’s support for the statement and her wise words for the House.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Question
What assessment has the Secretary of State made on the urgency to bring forward the next iteration of Project Asgard from quarter 2 to quarter 1?
Minister reply
We are determined to accelerate Project Asgard, which is breaking new ground and demonstrating new military techniques. It is an important part of our innovative military technology.
Mike Reader
Lab
Northampton South
Question
Despite Reform UK banning the showing of support for Ukraine in Northamptonshire, should constituents be proud of British men and women involved in this operation?
Minister reply
I share my hon. Friend’s dismay at the decision of his Reform-led council and I am proud that our Ministry of Defence building flies the Ukrainian flag.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Has the decision made yesterday changed assumptions and plans regarding investment, procurement and spending over the next year?
Minister reply
The political declaration signed by the Prime Minister will sit alongside detailed work on military planning for the coalition of the willing and the deployment of the multinational force for Ukraine.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Question
Does the Secretary of State agree that Nigel Farage should be ashamed because we owe so much to Ukrainian people who have fought hard for democracy in Europe?
Minister reply
I welcome my hon. Friend’s observations and think this is a test for the leader of Reform: are their interests closer to those of President Putin or closer to those of the British people?
Danny Chambers
Lib Dem
Winchester
Question
Is it the Government's position that President Putin should be hauled in front of the International Criminal Court for abducting Ukrainian children?
Minister reply
Our focus is to ensure maximum support and step up efforts with allies. Any peace deal must involve the full return of abducted children and the pursuit of justice.
Jonathan Davies
Lab
Mid Derbyshire
Question
Can my right hon. Friend assure me that no stone will be left unturned in protecting our critical undersea infrastructure from the Russian shadow fleet?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is entirely right about how our way of life and economy depend on undersea infrastructure, so we are stepping up vigilance, surveillance and defence of this.
Ian Sollom
Lib Dem
St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire
Question
Could the Secretary of State provide some reassurance to the House on the implications for the Joint Expeditionary Force?
Minister reply
SACEUR has been at the heart of discussions, close to military planning for the deployment of the multinational force in Ukraine and an important figure in discussions about security guarantees.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. We are all encouraged by him and what he has said, and encouraged by his and this Government’s leadership. That gives us heart, so I thank him for that.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State responded to express appreciation for the encouragement and acknowledged the support from the House.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
I, too, commend the Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister for their calm and determined resolve in defence of Ukraine. Beyond that, Ukraine has no truer friend than this country. Putin knows that too, which is why he would never tolerate a democracy such as ours, nor have a debate and questioning such as we have had here this evening. Because of that, he will do everything to undermine this country. What can not only my right hon. Friend’s Department, but the Government as a whole, do to ensure that we as a country have the resilience to take whatever Russia may throw at us?
Minister reply
Referring back to the strategic defence review from June last year, highlighting the identification and explanation of increasing threats and risks, as well as recommendations for greater resilience and stronger homeland defence.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that, in addition to the strong diplomatic and military leadership that he set out in his statement, it is, wherever possible, the unity of this House, and indeed unity in the country at large, that really counts in sending a clear and strong message to our friends and foe alike that this country believes in the international rules-based system, international law, standing up to bullies and valuing our alliances?
Minister reply
Agrees on the importance of domestic political unity of values and intent alongside hard power, strong alliances and sure diplomacy.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
I welcome this evening’s statement. I say, primarily to those outside this Chamber, that any deployment of British forces in Ukraine is not going to be a tripwire to a wider conflict. If we do not deploy those forces, put that deterrent in place and back Ukraine—if we allow Putin to take Ukraine either now or at some point in the future—there will be devastating consequences for British interests and global stability. With British interests in mind, although I fully appreciate the answer the Defence Secretary gave on troop numbers—I understand his reasoning for not wanting to share those—can he reassure the House that this country has the soldiers, the resources and the equipment to ensure that we can provide an effective deterrent in Ukraine without compromising and undermining the other commitments we have made to allies around the world?
Minister reply
Confirms readiness of forces with appropriate investment and ensures proper equipment and protection for the safety of forces.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Question
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. When I left home in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Monday to travel down to Parliament, the weather was already very bad after heavy snow on Sunday night. However, for the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme, the situation at home has got worse, thanks to both the weather and the complete and utter failure of Staffordshire county council to grit our roads and keep those who live, learn and work in Newcastle-under-Lyme safe.
Shadow Comment
James Cartlidge
Shadow Comment
Thanking the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement, James Cartlidge welcomed the Government's efforts to support Ukraine but urged for more clarity on recent developments. He emphasised that Putin’s illegal invasion remains the most critical military action affecting Britain’s security and expressed hope for a lasting peace with credible security guarantees. Acknowledging the importance of planning for a ceasefire, he praised the Government’s work in bringing together international partners to plan potential military support.
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