← Back to House of Commons Debates
Ukraine 2025-02-24
24 February 2025
Lead MP
David Lammy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
David Lammy raised concerns about ukraine 2025-02-24 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
In January 2022, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs visited Kyiv to witness the human cost of Kremlin imperialism. Today marks three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, highlighting Ukraine's courage in resisting. The statement discusses ongoing diplomatic efforts at the G20, Munich Security Conference, and NATO-Russia Founding Act, emphasising the need for international solidarity against Russian aggression. It outlines £3 billion military aid annually and an additional £2.26 billion over two years, along with new sanctions targeting 100 entities including oil tankers, to intensify economic pressure on Russia. The UK also solidifies its partnership with Ukraine through a historic agreement.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Urges the Government to continue providing Ukraine with everything it needs, including hardware and diplomatic support. Questions whether there are plans to lift sanctions in the future and seeks assurance on new resources during discussions with US officials.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that there are no immediate plans to lift sanctions and commits to updating Members about any new resources or support expected from the US.
Slough
Question
As Chair of the Defence Committee, Mr Dhesi expresses concern about the fragility of Western support for Ukraine and urges the UK to take a leadership role in Europe by committing to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence as soon as possible.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary reiterates the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine through military, diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts, emphasising the importance of continued discussions with European allies and NATO for burden-sharing.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
Miller thanks the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of her statement and reiterates the Liberal Democrats' support for increased defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, urging the release of the £2.5 billion promised to Ukraine from the sale of Chelsea football club.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary confirms efforts to unlock money from the sale of Chelsea FC, highlighting the UK's commitment to putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position and continuing discussions on sanctions.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Question
Creasy asks about the potential deal involving Ukrainian mineral deposits for American support, questioning if more can be done to prevent crucial metals from ending up in enemy and competitor states.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary discusses a 100-year partnership with Ukraine that serves as a guide for striking relationships across various fronts, expressing optimism about the discussions between Ukraine and the United States.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Question
Hunt suggests plans to reduce adult welfare recipients to 2019 levels as a means to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP, emphasising the importance of securing NATO's future.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary acknowledges Hunt's experience and indicates that the Chancellor will be considering his views in detailed government conversations.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Abrahams questions why previous sanctions failed to curb Russia, asking what more can be done against organisations that use different measures to circumvent sanctions.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary highlights the importance of protecting the rules-based order and discusses efforts to target dual-use technology facilitating evasion by Russian shadow fleets.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
The right hon. Gentleman is right: we have been Ukraine’s foremost friend, and we will continue to do that. We have a key role to play because of our special relationship with the United States.
Minister reply
NATO has stood the test of time as the greatest modern-day alliance that we have ever seen, and has been strengthened further following the joining of Sweden and Finland. Of course there is a debate in Europe about burden sharing, but NATO remains a great alliance.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that President Zelensky is a democrat, not a dictator?
Minister reply
I have met President Zelensky six or seven times over this last period, and he has always struck me as the most courageous and brave of individuals leading his people to self-determination.
Mike Martin
LD
Tunbridge Wells
Question
What collective defence looks like in Europe without the Americans?
Minister reply
NATO remains a great alliance, and we work across that alliance. Successive US Presidents have rightly said that Europe must do more.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Question
We cannot wait until 2030 to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence, and we should be exceeding that percentage.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend has asked an excellent question about Ukraine’s industrial base. Drone technology is improving apace around the world, and Ukraine leads this technology.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Question
The whole House will want to wish the right hon. Gentleman a strong and successful visit later this week.
Minister reply
Let us get beyond that; but if we are to do so, Russia should withdraw and come to the table with the central issue of peace and making amends at its heart.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Question
Can the Foreign Secretary assure me that he is doing everything he can to convince our allies of the need to seize those assets?
Minister reply
If we are serious about the responsibility of burden sharing across Europe and G7 nations, one of the issues on the table is moving from freezing assets to seizing those assets.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
When he speaks to his counterparts, will he try to impress on them that contentious territory should not be demilitarised and left undefended?
Minister reply
The containment strategy ran right through the Reagan years and beyond. In a sense, it is the conventional way to understand peace through strength.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the international community must not allow Ukraine to be traded like a chess piece?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right, and we know that Ukrainians felt let down by Budapest memorandum and Minsk agreement.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Surely we all know that no deal can be made with Vladimir Putin that he will not break?
Minister reply
Russia and Putin have been clear about the terms for peace, which include removing 14 of NATO’s 32 members. Such demands show utter contempt for Ukrainian territorial integrity.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Question
What conversations is the Foreign Secretary’s Department having with the Home Office to ensure that young Ukrainians who moved here through no fault of their own do not have their education disrupted?
Minister reply
It allows me to say that there is still a war, and there is still a need for those people to seek sanctuary in our country. It may be that negotiations go on for some time.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
None of us wants to see Ukraine sacrificed on the same altar of expediency.
Minister reply
The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that it is in everyone’s interests—Britain’s, Europe’s and America’s—to ensure that any potential peace deal includes Ukraine at the table?
Minister reply
Yes, President Zelensky’s stance of 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine' has been recognised widely.
St Ives
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary remind President Trump that if we have a special relationship it must be based on truth, respect for democracy, justice and international law?
Minister reply
The United States is the leader of the free world with a democratic mandate; friends can agree or disagree but support ending the war. We will raise defence spending in Europe.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Question
Does my right hon Friend agree that not only should Ukraine be at the centre of negotiations, but we need to be clear-eyed about dealing with a lying and dangerous man?
Minister reply
Ukraine must be at the table; efforts are being made to reunite abducted Ukrainian children with their families.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that NATO allies should find resources to spend 3% of GDP on defence within a recognisable timeframe?
Minister reply
Countries meeting the 2% commitment have risen from four to 23; we will set out how we will do more very shortly.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that UK leadership in coordinating European and transatlantic allies is essential for freeing Ukraine from Putin’s tyranny?
Minister reply
Yes, we are fighting for global values underpinned by the UN charter.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Does the Secretary of State regret recanting views expressed on Trump and can he consider following Archbishop Cranmer’s example?
Minister reply
The focus is on real threats, understanding who they are and forging history through diplomacy and friendship.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Question
Will my right hon Friend commit to working with the Home Secretary, devolved Governments and other stakeholders to ensure safe harbour for Ukrainian families?
Minister reply
There will be close work with the Home Secretary to continue support across this country.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
What practical steps can he take, apart from assurances given today, to ensure Ukraine’s interests are reflected in negotiations?
Minister reply
We have committed £3 billion and will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it lasts.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that this is a once-in-a-generation moment and our security is bound up in Ukraine’s security?
Minister reply
Our futures are bound up with Putin’s ambitions; fighting for Russian people against Putin.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
When the Prime Minister meets President Trump, will he raise the issue of new sanctions?
Minister reply
We continue discussing sanctions with partners; US willing to impose further sanctions.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
Question
This entire House should be united in support for Ukraine.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need for unity but noted absence of some MPs from Opposition Benches.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Question
The Foreign Secretary was right that if Russia is serious about a lasting peace, it must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Given the lack of such signs from Russia, will he reiterate that we stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine? Will he also commit to opposing Russian aggression and supporting Ukrainian values?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; since February 2022, the UK has provided £12.8 billion in support for Ukraine and will continue this commitment.
Monica Harding
Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary commit to standing by Ukraine steadfastly even when others do not? Will he ensure that his meetings in Washington highlight the importance of continued support for Ukraine?
Minister reply
The UK supports US-led efforts towards lasting peace, which involves ensuring Ukraine's participation in negotiations and addressing Russian aggression.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Question
In light of history, will the Foreign Secretary affirm that there can be no enduring peace without securing Europe through NATO allies supporting Ukraine?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct; today marks a commitment to upholding Ukraine's security as integral to European stability.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary highlight European military support for US operations in the Indo-Pacific? Will he advise the PM on achieving defence spending targets that exceed 2.53% of GDP?
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman mentions AUKUS and our critical partnerships with Australia and the United States, reinforcing the importance of defence spending.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that tackling misinformation is crucial for maintaining steadfast commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty?
Minister reply
Hybrid warfare against countries like Moldova and Ukraine involves sabotage, infrastructure attacks, and internet service disruptions; vigilance is essential.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary make it clear to President Trump that peace talks must centre around Ukraine's sovereignty and self-determination?
Minister reply
No negotiation about Ukraine can proceed without Ukrainian participation, as Putin shows no sign of abandoning his subjugation goal.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary reaffirm to those in Bishop’s Stortford that this Government will continue advocating for Ukraine's sovereignty and a seat at future negotiations?
Minister reply
The hon. Friend’s constituency is well-known, and his constituents can be assured of continued support for Ukraine.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that enhancing a US backstop would require European nations to more thoroughly shoulder financial burdens?
Minister reply
Yes, there was complacency post-cold war; now is the time for European countries to step up and demonstrate peace with strength.
Jonathan Hinder
Lab
Pendle and Clitheroe
Question
Does the Foreign Secretary agree that urgent rearmament beyond 2.5% defence spending targets is necessary to protect democracies?
Minister reply
Further defence spending will be set out shortly, aligning with commitments to European security.
Claire Young
Lib Dem
Thornbury and Yate
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary update on discussions with NATO countries bordering Russia regarding their defensive measures?
Minister reply
Discussions have taken place, including at the Munich security conference, to support NATO's eastern flank and secure US backing for these nations.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Question
On the third anniversary of Putin’s brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I welcome the United Nations having just passed a resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine. However, in the last 15 minutes—this will shock the House —it was opposed by Russia and the United States. It was said in the press that 'This isn’t appeasement by Trump. It’s a direct stab in the back.' Will the Foreign Secretary condemn what has just happened in the United Nations, where the United States has joined Russia in not signing up to the resolution condemning Russian aggression in Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are proud to have co-sponsored the General Assembly resolution, proposed by Ukraine, in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. It is in line with the UN charter. The UN voted for it, and we will stand forever with Ukraine.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Question
Yesterday, Ukrainians in Welwyn Hatfield came together in sober recognition of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. I pay tribute to them for their bravery and resilience, and for how they are going about rebuilding their lives as valuable members of our community. I told them that in this House, I would speak the truth, and stand up for them as best I could. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we need to say loud and clear from the Dispatch Box that one person was the aggressor, one person is responsible for the death and destruction, and—we should say it emphatically—one person started this war, and his name is Vladimir Putin?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. When I was in Kyiv, I saw that close to President Zelensky’s office is an apartment block that was blown up a few weeks ago. A couple asleep in their bed were killed. That is the awfulness of this war.
North East Fife
Question
In response to the right hon. Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), the Foreign Secretary said that Russia does not respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. On his comments on the Ukraine defence contact group, the US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says that the US wants to see 'a sovereign and prosperous Ukraine', but given the news that we have just heard about the UN resolution, how confident is the Foreign Secretary that the US will respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine?
Minister reply
I am very pleased that the US has attempted to bring this horrendous war to an end. That does require conversations with Russia. Those are hard conversations, and I am not sure that the Russians are ready to properly negotiate, but I admire the attempt to try.
Paul Davies
Lab
Colne Valley
Question
Online propaganda from the Kremlin has become a disturbing reality. Social media, especially platforms such as Facebook and X, have been flooded with the claim that Ukraine is solely responsible for the war—it is extraordinary. What measures are being taken to combat the propaganda being spread by Governments to blame the Ukrainian people for the conflict?
Minister reply
Those are important issues that I know preoccupy my hon. Friends in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. They are looking further at those issues and at what more we can do.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Question
The Prime Minister said this morning that Russia does not hold all the cards. I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s announcement of further sanctions. Will he work at national and international level to ensure that President Putin does not get a new hand that allows him to proceed with bluff, bluster and bullying that could bring the Ukrainian people to their knees—something that we have not seen to date? Will he assure the House that the Government stand resolutely with the people of Ukraine?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right. That is why I met G7 Foreign Ministers, and we issued a joint statement on Ukraine 10 days ago. It is why I discussed this issue at the G20 in South Africa last week.
Epsom and Ewell
Question
Today of all days, we must remember that over 1 million people have been killed or wounded in Ukraine since the illegal invasion. I have just come from talking to a group of individuals who support Ukrainian veterans. Although they welcome the medical expertise that the UK has provided in Ukrainian military hospitals, there are also thousands of civilian casualties, so they ask that the UK provide medical expertise in civilian hospitals as well. Will the Foreign Secretary look into whether the UK can provide that support too?
Minister reply
I am very pleased about the decisions that I and the Defence Secretary have made to support Ukrainian armed forces at this time with medical support. I am happy to look at the issues facing civilians, which of course we discuss in a pan-European context.
Seamus Logan
SNP
Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
Question
Surely it cannot be right to leave those with no real care or concern for Europe’s wellbeing the sole voice in negotiating the future of Ukraine—and by extension the future of Europe. Will the Foreign Secretary convey, in his discussions with President Trump, the point that Ukraine must be present at the table when negotiations take place, and will he convey the disgust of this House at the fact that the US voted alongside North Korea and Russia against the Ukrainian resolution at the UN today?
Minister reply
We have been clear: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. The Ukrainians must have a seat at the table; it is their destiny that is in the mix in any discussions that take place.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s strong words, commitment, strength and fortitude. I will always welcome the end to war, but I am unable to forget the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war by Russian armed forces during the fight for and occupation of the city of Bucha three days after the invasion started. To remind the House, girls as young as eight and women as old as 80 were raped; three Baptist church pastors were murdered; and nine children under the age of 18 were murdered. They were all put into a basement, had petrol poured over them and were burned alive. I and the people I represent want any deal to include the accountability of those who committed those dreadful, dreadful war crimes, and so many others that are still unknown.
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for reminding us of the massacre at Bucha. I had the privilege of visiting Bucha and spending time with the community there—with families, victims and loved ones. The massacre was an horrendous act. It was criminal, barbaric and inhumane.
Shadow Comment
Priti Patel
Shadow Comment
The shadow Foreign Secretary acknowledges the UK's leadership in supporting Ukraine and calls for continued robust support, including military hardware and diplomatic backing. She questions whether there are plans to lift sanctions and seeks assurance on new resources during discussions with US officials. The response emphasises the importance of ensuring Ukraine decides its own future and that a stronger deterrent against Russian aggression is needed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.