Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine

11 October 2022 · 29 other contributors

Opened by Alec Shelbrooke Con Wetherby and Easingwold

Ukraine

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Alec Shelbrooke raised concerns about ukraine in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister stated that Russia's assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked attack threatening global security.
  • The UK has committed a 2.3 billion military aid package to support Ukraine.
  • Defence is training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, with over 6,000 recruits trained.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Alec Shelbrooke

The Minister opened by stating that Russia's assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked attack threatening global security. He highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, including a £2.3 billion military aid package. The Minister noted that the UK was the first European country to provide lethal aid, sending over 10,000 anti-tank missiles and numerous vehicles among other supplies. Additionally, Defence is providing training to Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, with over 6,000 recruits trained so far. He emphasised the importance of deterrence and stated that no other country is discussing nuclear use.

Other contributors (29)
  • Tobias Ellwood

    Question

    Ellwood questioned whether the UK should outline a clear conventional response if Russia deploys nuclear weapons or targets hazardous infrastructure. He argued that strategic ambiguity could be counterproductive and urged a robust political stance to deter Putin from going nuclear.

    Minister reply

    Shelbrooke reiterated that no country is discussing nuclear use and warned of severe consequences for any nuclear action by Russia. He emphasised support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while cautioning against outlining specific responses to potential situations.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Question

    Pollard welcomed the Minister’s role and expressed Labour’s commitment to NATO. He raised concerns about recent missile attacks on civilians, Russian troop presence in Belarus, and media reports of British troop withdrawal from Estonia. He questioned future replenishment of weapons stockpiles and sought reassurance that UK would not withdraw troops from allies.

    Minister reply

    Shelbrooke thanked Pollard for his support and addressed concerns about war crimes, military capabilities in Estonia, and the International Support Fund for Ukraine. He confirmed work on industrial supply chains to maintain defence supplies without commenting further on operational details.

  • Iain Duncan Smith Con Chingford and Woodford Green

    Question

    Welcomes the Minister's position. Discusses Putin's use of nuclear rhetoric to split NATO, emphasising unity in response.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the importance of staying united against Russia. Emphasises that NATO is a defensive alliance and will remain so as long as nuclear weapons exist.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Question

    Questions UK's military support to Ukraine, including the delivery of anti-air assets and winter equipment.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that NATO defence is not walking away from allies. Confirms ongoing supply of air defences and cold weather combat training for Ukrainian forces.

  • Liam Fox Con Putney

    Question

    Asks about Iran's support to Russia through provision of UAVs.

    Minister reply

    Cannot answer directly but will write with the facts and answers later.

  • Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich

    Question

    Highlights concerns for Ukrainian refugees under Homes for Ukraine scheme, especially those facing end of placements.

    Minister reply

    Agrees it is an important issue. Promises to discuss with colleagues in the Home Office.

  • Richard Graham Con Gloucester

    Question

    Inquires about talks with China and India for their potential leverage against Putin.

    Minister reply

    Responds that such relationships are managed by the Foreign Office, not Ministry of Defence.

  • Hilary Benn Lab Leeds South

    Question

    Questions if Kerch bridge is a legitimate military target and contrasts with recent attack on Kyiv.

    Minister reply

    States that Crimea's invasion by Russia makes the Kerch bridge an illegitimate target. The Kyiv incident is described as a war crime.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Suggests western support for Ukraine must continue to deter Putin from using nuclear weapons, citing General David Petraeus.

    Minister reply

    Agrees with the need for unity in NATO. Emphasises that continued support and a strong deterrent will prevent any miscalculations.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Questions reconsideration of no-fly zones over Ukraine and expediting Ukraine's membership to NATO, highlighting Putin's propaganda efforts.

    Minister reply

    Reaffirms commitment to current support strategies. Stresses the importance of unity among international allies in providing aid.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Question

    I refer to my entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. During a recent visit to Lviv and Kyiv, I saw the work of the HALO Trust. The people there expressed gratitude for UK support during the conflict but also their efforts towards normalcy despite Russian attacks being war crimes aimed at civilians. Does the Minister agree with this assessment?

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to my right hon. Friend and yes, I agree that Russia's actions amount to war crimes.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Question

    Elon Musk's recent social media activity was unhelpful during the crisis in Ukraine. There are concerns about outages of Starlink, which may have hindered Ukraine's communication systems. Is there a moment at which we might consider sanctioning Elon Musk?

    Minister reply

    Sanctions remain under review and will be considered if necessary based on all available facts.

  • Alex Chalk

    Question

    Today is Ukraine Day at the Cheltenham literature festival. Will the Minister join me in thanking the British Council and Cheltenham literature festival for their cultural support to Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    I am delighted to do that, and I know my hon. and learned Friend has deeply involved his constituents with Ukrainians.

  • Toby Perkins Lab Chesterfield

    Question

    Putin's actions are a sign of desperation and increased desertions in the Russian military. Should we make the point that every person committing war crimes will be sought, regardless of their rank, to undermine Putin’s campaign?

    Minister reply

    I agree with the hon. Gentleman; we must find and send all those who commit war crimes to prison.

  • James Grey

    Question

    Putin's doctrine may lead to lashing out with unconventional warfare, including chemical, biological, cyber and economic weapons beyond Ukraine’s borders. What preparations has the Ministry of Defence made for such scenarios?

    Minister reply

    Huge amounts of resources go into cyber capability and other areas; NATO treats all weapons of mass destruction seriously.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Question

    Ukraine needs justice for war crimes, not just asset freezing but repurposing them to rebuild Ukraine. Has the Minister had discussions about a special tribunal to work alongside the ICC?

    Minister reply

    I will take these comments back and respond if she writes to me with more details.

  • Jonathan Djanogly

    Question

    Russia’s missile attacks on civilian areas call for anti-missile support. Will we provide such systems as other countries are doing?

    Minister reply

    We are already supplying air defence systems and will continue to work with Ukraine.

  • Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East

    Question

    When providing Starstreaks and NLAWs, we faced requests for a no-fly zone. Will the Minister assure us that he will engage to ensure we are responding to Ukraine’s requests?

    Minister reply

    We are indeed responding to as many requests from Ukraine as possible.

  • Andrew Bridgen

    Question

    Does President Putin's heightened rhetoric on nuclear weapons suggest chemical weapon use is more likely? What should NATO's response be?

    Minister reply

    NATO treats all WMDs seriously, and operational responses are discussed constantly.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Further to the question by my hon. Friend Ellie Reeves about homelessness among Ukrainians in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, have there been any discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities?

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to the right hon. Lady; this has not come across my desk but we will ensure that it is picked up by relevant departments.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

    Question

    Welcomes the Minister to his new role and inquires about potential cuts to defence spending given ongoing concerns regarding loss of capability and personnel. He also mentions the Prime Minister's commitment to update the integrated review.

    Minister reply

    Confirms that there are no plans to cut the defence budget at this time, highlighting a commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% by the way of the 3% target for the end of the 2030s and noting an increase in defence spending by £24 billion since 2020.

  • Mike Amesbury

    Question

    Raises concerns about Ukrainian families presenting as homeless. He asks the Minister to have urgent conversations with relevant Departments regarding housing these individuals.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the issue and assures that colleagues will indeed take up the matters raised on the Floor of the House with the relevant Departments.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Inquires about assurance regarding no-fly zones in Ukraine, questioning if necessary defences can be provided to ensure effective handling of terror from the skies.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that no-fly zones remain unchanged but confirms delivery of air defence capability to Ukrainians and commitment to work with international allies for delivering what is needed.

  • Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark

    Question

    Questions the removal of UK forces from Estonia, inquiring if the decision can be reviewed given current situation and wider volatility.

    Minister reply

    Clarifies that UK has not withdrawn from Estonia but remains committed to NATO alliance and providing resources where needed.

  • Barry Sheerman

    Question

    Welcomes the Minister, noting perilous times and asks for more presence with US and NATO allies against current events.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the real danger of the situation and emphasises patience, calmness, deterrence, and unity among allies to de-escalate.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Question

    Asks about additional support for councils and local Ukrainian community centres supporting Ukrainian families in Britain.

    Minister reply

    States that he cannot answer the question from the Dispatch Box but will look into it and respond to the hon. Gentleman in writing.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    Asks about support being provided for securing release of a kidnapped employee at nuclear plant.

    Minister reply

    Confirms work with international allies on diplomatic issues regarding pursuit and prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes, including kidnapping.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Welcomes the Minister and asks for an assessment on how effectively food and medical supplies are entering communities near battle zones.

    Minister reply

    Congratulates MP on new addition to family and notes that he will seek to answer in writing on those specific details.

Shadow Comment

Tobias Ellwood

The Shadow Minister praised Ukraine's efforts but warned that Putin might escalate to tactical low-yield nuclear weapons, advocating for a clear public response from Britain and the US. He called for strategic clarity on military consequences of using nuclear weapons, urging robust statecraft to deter such actions.

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