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G7 2025-03-17
17 March 2025
Lead MP
David Lammy
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 25
At a Glance
David Lammy raised concerns about g7 2025-03-17 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
Last week in Jeddah, the US and Ukraine reached a common position with an offer of ceasefire and increased American support. The G7 meeting focused on unity to support Ukraine's defence and peace efforts against Putin's aggression. The UK is stepping up its military aid to Ukraine, including drones, munitions, training, and announced the biggest increase in UK defence spending since the cold war. The statement highlighted actions taken against Russia's economy through sanctions and readiness for further measures if necessary. Additionally, the G7 supported a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, demanded the release of hostages, condemned violence in Syria’s coastal regions, and called on Iran to change course and de-escalate.
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
What discussions did the Foreign Secretary hold with US counterparts about the impact of the suspension of intelligence and military support, and what is his assessment of its consequences?
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Can the Foreign Secretary confirm whether this means that the UK will go further than the £2.26 billion loan already announced off the back of the profits from sanctioned assets, and can he give an update on when proceeds from the sale of Chelsea football club will be in the hands of those most in need?
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Is the Foreign Secretary able to explain what this means in practice, especially for our armed forces? What planning is under way? What will our contribution to peacekeeping consist of?
Priti Patel
Con
Witham
Question
Over what timeframe would deployment be launched, and how will our armed forces be supported?
David Lammy MP
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Asked about cross-party nature of questions raised by the right hon. Member for North Durham, as well as queries regarding US decision on military aid pause to Ukraine and its implications.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary responded that while there was a short pause in aid, it did not have a material effect, and he emphasised the commitment of European allies to maintaining support for Ukraine. He discussed ongoing discussions about moving from freezing to seizing Russian assets but stressed the need for unanimity among G7 countries.
Islington South and Finsbury
Question
Asked about the government's approach towards seizing Russian assets in UK, urging for more prompt action rather than waiting for unanimous agreement from allies.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary reassured that while unilateral action is not ideal, discussions are progressing at pace and involve multilateral efforts with G7 and EU partners.
Bicester and Woodstock
Question
Expressed concern over the potential impact of US reluctance to seize Russian assets on UK's ability to support Ukraine, inquired about progress made in building a coalition for peace agreement.
Minister reply
The Foreign Secretary stated that discussions are ongoing with European partners to secure commitments and backstop security guarantees from the United States.
Question
The question is about the cross-party unity and details of European funds. He also questions whether there was a discussion on Russia joining the G7.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy reassured that no discussions took place regarding Russia's potential entry into the G7, stating that democratic nations are committed to rule of law which Russia under Putin has distanced itself from.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
Welcomed the Foreign Secretary’s strong statement against blockading aid into Gaza. Asked about discussions with G7 colleagues on the humanitarian situation.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that Israel must defend its own security but finds the lack of aid unacceptable, urging for a return to previous levels of truck traffic entering Gaza to provide necessary support.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
Welcomed the Foreign Secretary's statement and raised issues about OSCE’s role in Ukraine and concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that they are working with Germany, France, and US to use diplomatic efforts and maximum pressure on Iran while keeping options open.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Question
Asked about the message for Vladimir Putin regarding Ukrainian children abducted by Russian forces and concerns over defunding of humanitarian research lab.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that they are supporting efforts to retrieve abducted Ukrainian children, working with international allies to ensure data is not lost.
Gavin Williamson
Con
Stone
Question
Asked about the Department's commitment to work with Somaliland Government on terrorism threats.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy reassured that discussions have taken place at G7 meetings and his department will continue working closely with partners against al-Shabaab.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Question
Welcomed the support given to Sudanese British people in Newcastle-under-Lyme and asked for engagement with AU, Commonwealth, and Arab League.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that they will work closely with African nations including the African Union at the conference on 15 April.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Asked about the consequences of slashing overseas aid budgets as announced by Prime Minister.
Minister reply
Mr Lammy stated that while development aid is important, they need to balance it with other tools such as hard power due to the war in Ukraine costing Africa $7 billion.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Question
Asked about ensuring work of humanitarian research lab is not lost and support for families reunited with severely traumatised children.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that UK continues to track Russian deportation of Ukrainian children, raising awareness in multilateral forums like the OSCE.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
Question
Following the G7 meeting, can he share what further progress has been made in building a coalition of the willing to guarantee Ukraine's security?
Minister reply
A number of nations are stepping up and coming forward alongside the United Kingdom and France, including Canada. He respects that different countries have different requirements for going to their own Parliaments and speaking to their own nations about committing troops.
Mid Sussex
Question
Given the increasingly mercurial nature of our American allies' support of Ukraine, what progress has been made on seizing Iranian assets?
Minister reply
The issue is best addressed multilaterally. Different nations within Europe are more exposed than others and it is right to act in coordination with them.
Fred Thomas
Lab
Plymouth Moor View
Question
Will the Foreign Secretary join him in celebrating new UK-French co-operation in defence activity?
Minister reply
He thanks Fred Thomas for his service and confirms that maritime security was a big discussion point at the G7. There will be more on this issue in the strategic defence review.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Question
Would he lead a coalition of willing nations to seize Iranian frozen assets?
Minister reply
Across Europe, there are discussions being held regarding seizing those assets. It is necessary to ensure these actions do not have a detrimental effect on the global economy.
Steve Yemm
Lab
Mansfield
Question
Was the matter of the international fund for Israeli-Palestinian peace raised at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting?
Minister reply
He confirms that Gaza and development spend were discussed, and that the UK supports Palestinian Authority reforms.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Why does he not confirm that the blocking of aid to Gaza is illegal under international law?
Minister reply
He confirms Israel's breach of international humanitarian law and notes previous decisions made, including suspending arms sales.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK needs strong armed forces, diplomacy, soft power in Africa, Gulf, and Europe to preserve an international rules-based system?
Minister reply
He agrees with John Slinger's remarks about the importance of hard and soft power for the United Kingdom.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Why did UK not participate in recent US airstrikes against Houthis?
Minister reply
The UK was involved only in providing routine refuelling support to the United States, as part of their close cooperation.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
How will the Secretary of State ensure peace is founded on respect rather than threats?
Minister reply
He supports a two-state solution and holds up humanitarian aid for children in conflict areas.
Shadow Comment
Priti Patel
Shadow Comment
The shadow secretary questioned whether the UK was applying maximum pressure on Russia and if it will go further than the £2.26 billion loan from sanctioned assets. She also asked for updates on the Prime Minister's peacekeeping initiative, including planning phases and contributions from allies. In regards to Gaza, Patel sought clarity on discussions with Middle Eastern counterparts about Hamas' role and actions against Iran-backed terrorism in the region.
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