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Question
The Secretary of State mentioned winter support for Ukraine. Could he elaborate on what extra support the UK is providing to ensure Ukrainians can continue fighting through this period? Also, given reports suggesting a potential early spring offensive by Russia, what additional military assistance is being planned?
Minister reply
We are committed to supporting Ukraine's resilience through harsh winters. The UK has provided generators and cold weather kits to help Ukrainian forces endure the cold. In response to threats of an early spring offensive from Russia, we continue to support Ukraine with lethal aid, training, and intelligence sharing.
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Question
As Russian attacks on energy infrastructure intensify, what specific measures is the UK taking to assist in repairing and protecting these critical systems? Additionally, could the Secretary of State clarify his position on sending longer range weapons systems, which he previously described as 'open-minded'?
Minister reply
We are working closely with our allies to provide Ukraine with necessary equipment for energy infrastructure repair and protection. On long-range weapons, we assess each situation carefully to ensure effective support while avoiding escalation risks.
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Question
Russia's increasing ties with Belarus raise concerns about potential direct involvement in the conflict. How does the Secretary of State anticipate this relationship evolving, and what steps are being taken to counteract any such involvement?
Minister reply
We closely monitor Russia's relationships with other countries, including Belarus, and maintain open lines of communication with allies to address any emerging threats effectively.
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Question
Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract for producing next-generation light anti-tank weapons. Will transparency be maintained regarding other contracts aimed at restocking weapons sent to Ukraine? Furthermore, will there be a data-driven review of military aid to Ukraine to ensure accountability?
Minister reply
We are committed to maintaining transparency in our defence procurement processes and will continue to provide updates on relevant contracts as required by parliamentary procedures.
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Question
With NATO's strength, unity, and new military plans expected for 2023, how does the Secretary of State envision adjusting Britain’s contributions to meet these challenges? How will he ensure the UK fulfills its obligations under NATO?
Minister reply
The UK is firmly committed to reinforcing NATO through enhanced military planning and cooperation. We are working diligently to align our defence plans with those of our allies, ensuring that we uphold our commitments effectively.
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Question
The MP congratulated the Secretary of State for advance sight of his statement and thanked him for previous briefings. He praised Britain's united support but questioned delays in publishing the full action plan for 2023, expressing disappointment over ad hoc announcements through news headlines instead of formal statements to Parliament.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the cross-party support and highlighted Britain's consistent aid to Ukraine. He explained supply chain issues led to delays rather than budget constraints or lack of commitment. The Minister also committed to sharing briefings on stockpile replenishment with opposition parties, as well as providing a detailed list of supplies put in over the past year.
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Question
It is fair to say that there has been a bit of domestic turbulence in British politics over the past six months or so, but, as we saw in our Defence Committee visit to Ukraine, the support that Britain provides is so appreciated. That is largely down to the leadership, commitment and consistency from the Defence Secretary. It is important to put that on the record.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend and I totally agree that it is important that Putin fails in Ukraine, because if he were successful the consequences would be felt right here in the United Kingdom and right across Europe.
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Question
More than 17,000 civilians are estimated to have been killed in Ukraine, with increasing hybridisation displacing the failed kinetic offensive by Russia—failed but no less destructive for its want of just purpose. The figure seems destined to grow amid the missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine’s harsh winter.
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. Yes, the international community works collectively, including through the Joint Expeditionary Force.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend share his assessment of likely Russian military doctrinal changes as we go into next year? Does he believe that Gerasimov has indeed been fired?
Minister reply
I am always happy to speak to my Belarusian counterpart.
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Question
This week Vladimir Putin flew to Minsk to meet President Lukashenko. In the press conference that followed, President Lukashenko described himself and President Putin as the most hated and “toxic” individuals in the world—something I am sure we could all agree with.
Minister reply
I think it is unlikely in the short term that Belarus will join, but it has allowed its territory to be used for the launching of weapons systems, and at some stage of Russian forces into Ukraine.
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Question
Since Ukraine was attacked by a robotic and cowardly psychopath we have been led by three rather varied Prime Ministers, but fortunately only one Defence Secretary. Will he confirm that 300 days into Putin’s criminal campaign our Government remain as resolutely committed to its defeat as they were on day one, and may we therefore anticipate a long overdue rise in the defence budget to 3% of GDP?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend has been right for years about the threat posed by Russia, and as Defence Secretary I say he has been right for years about the funding for defence.
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Question
I thank the Defence Secretary and my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) for their focus and the approach that they have taken to this conflict, unifying our country and also unifying the world.
Minister reply
We work with a number of countries to make very clear that that is unacceptable, and where we can we take steps to frustrate that process.
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Question
My right hon. Friend said that we were assisting Ukraine in its air defence against drones, but do we have other troops helping Ukraine within Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are not directly engaged in conflict with Russia—we have been very clear about that—but we have been providing hardware and know-how to assist Ukraine to defend itself.
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Question
Of course Putin has got to be defeated, but that means not just going down a military set of avenues but ensuring that every part of British society is doing whatever it can to bring Putin to his knees. Will the Secretary of State explain why Unilever and Infosys are still functioning in Russia?
Minister reply
I urge those international brands to think very carefully about continuing to trade in Russia, and I am happy to write to the sports Minister to find out that detail.
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Question
As the conflict evolves and Ukraine is perhaps more on the offensive than defensive, we may need to change the types of weapons and aid we are sending. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that he is open to sending new types of weapons to the Ukrainians?
Minister reply
I will not speculate further on specific weapon systems but it should be under no illusion—communicated this to my counterpart—that we view what Russia is doing now as an escalation.
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Question
Allies in Europe are advocating that we seek to secure justice for war crimes, including the crime of aggression. Will the Secretary of State advocate for the UK speaking favourably about the special tribunal so that we might see future accountability for this crime of aggression?
Minister reply
Yes, I will. What is unifying us is the egregious breaches of international humanitarian law and human rights laws.
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Question
While Putin has failed to defeat Ukrainians militarily, he is now trying to freeze them into submission. Will the MOD talk to Departments such as BEIS and Treasury to co-ordinate the donation by businesses and companies of spare generators to Ukraine?
Minister reply
The international community has put in a lot of generators. I will ensure that my colleagues in the Foreign Office are absolutely on it.
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Question
Will he update the House on what further steps the UK will take to try to help the Ukrainians if a Russian offensive takes place?
Minister reply
The United Kingdom and the international community are trying to ensure that, by spring next year, Ukraine has the tools it needs to either defend itself or continue counter-offensive.
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Question
What is he doing to bring a broad coalition together and ensure that others continue to show a united front to Putin and help Ukrainians win?
Minister reply
A number of countries, including our friends and allies, have hosted conferences on helping to rebuild parts of Ukraine. It is important that funds go to rebuilding the economy alongside military effort.
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Question
Recent concerning remarks from Putin regarding the tracking down of traitors, spies and saboteurs could lead to further witch hunts of ordinary Russian citizens and scientists involved in international research under the guise of dubious foreign agent laws. How will the UK support such individuals and work with our international partners to ensure their safety?
Minister reply
We use our intelligence services and police force to protect people in this country as well as working with the international community, expelling Russian intelligence officers acting outwith conventions, and standing for what we stand for by welcoming people who oppose the Russian Government.
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Question
How does the Secretary of State see the NATO alliance, including our new NATO allies of Sweden and Finland, continuing to take the fight to those involved in the evil invasion of Ukraine in the coming year?
Minister reply
NATO has been incredibly active in not only reassuring its member states but also some of its neighbours like Finland and Sweden. It stands ready to defend its members under article 5 and article 4 should Russia broaden the conflict.
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Question
Should not anybody who holds shares in those companies, including Infosys, profiting by getting dividends from activities of those companies in Putin’s Russia, divest themselves of those shares and invest their money in investments that will assist the people of Ukraine?
Minister reply
I do not wish to take money from anyone connected with the Russian state or Russian activities. Brands should think again about selling into Russia.
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Question
Can my right hon. Friend confirm that our UK-led, and now internationally supported, training programme continues to adapt to give our Ukrainian friends the skills they need to take on Russian forces?
Minister reply
Yes. The operation we run has adapted from a three-week course to over five weeks and is fully equipped, with international forces learning from Ukrainians.
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Question
Can the Secretary of State confirm whether the Government are looking at further sanctions to prevent both Russia and Iran from being able to use UK components in their weaponry being used in Ukraine?
Minister reply
Our intelligence services monitor supply chains to try and understand when covert agencies or agents are out trying to buy parts, ensuring we frustrate them. We have done more recently but this is a timely reminder of what we find inside Russian equipment.
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Question
Will he give our thanks from this House to UK troops placed all across the world, including in some NATO states? Does he also have a message for why they are actually there?
Minister reply
Yes. The stability we so desperately need is provided by soft and hard power. Our armed forces send a strong message when we have Russian breaches of our own airspace.
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Question
What steps will be taken to ensure that Russia is held accountable for war crimes in Ukraine, including the discovery of mass graves and torture?
Minister reply
Russia can veto all it likes at the UN Security Council, but the International Criminal Court investigations will endure and continue. We will support it in collecting evidence.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend have a word with the Home Secretary to ensure that Ukrainian combatants whose relatives are here in sanctuary get the visas they need to come and spend their short time on leave with their loved ones?
Minister reply
I am happy to write to the Home Secretary on their behalf.
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Question
As the hon. Member for Strangford pointed out, many of us are increasingly concerned by the growing list of human rights and war crimes committed in this conflict. How can we offer specialist support to Ukraine to keep records? We know that rape is used as a weapon of war, and we have mass deportations into Russia. How can we ensure that evidence will be there so that those crimes can be fully prosecuted?
Minister reply
Sadly, Britain has some experience from the past because of the proliferation of war crimes. The UK military and the police are currently providing technical assistance to the investigations. The Metropolitan police war crimes unit has commenced the collection of evidence. We are working closely with the Ukrainian Government to make sure that continues.
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Question
I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. It sets out a compelling narrative of, on the one hand, Russian terror, overreach and folly, on the other hand, the bravery of the Ukrainian troops and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. I know that many people in Aberconwy will welcome the role that the Government have played in supporting Ukraine and the role of our British troops. Can he offer assurances that UK armed forces will remain in Ukraine, not least in support of our diplomatic presence in the country?
Minister reply
As long as our diplomats are there and people need that type of protection, the military are often part of providing security. It is not an offensive capability and they are in small numbers but they will do that. It is Christmas time and I want to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces and the civil servants in the Ministry of Defence who will be working through Christmas and new year. We have heard in the previous question about the inadequacies of the accommodation, which is simply not good enough and needs to be fixed. I am determined that we stand by those men and women. They are doing what many others are not doing at Christmas—they are separated from their families. They will be keeping us safe, and I want to wish them all a very happy Christmas.