Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Ukraine

20 February 2023 · 34 other contributors

Opened by James Cleverly Con Braintree

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

At a glance

James Cleverly raised concerns about ukraine in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Foreign Secretary described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as illegal and unprovoked.
  • He praised the international community's unity in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • The Foreign Secretary stressed the importance of increased military support for Ukraine to end the war humanely.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

James Cleverly Con Braintree

The Foreign Secretary emphasised the illegal and unprovoked nature of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting that President Putin could stop the war at once by withdrawing his forces from Ukrainian land. He praised the heroic resistance of Ukrainians and the unity and resoluteness of the international community in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cleverly stated that increased military support for Ukraine is essential to end the war humanely, noting that since the invasion began, the UK’s military, humanitarian and economic support has reached nearly £4 billion. He also mentioned the importance of accountability for war crimes and atrocities committed by Russian forces.

Other contributors (34)
  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Asked how resolute the UK is in providing military aid to Ukraine, specifically enquiring about giving planes.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Complimented the Secretary of State on his speech and noted that despite cost-of-living pressures, British people continue to support aid for Ukraine. Asked if the UK agrees with the US's determination that Russia has committed crimes against humanity.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill

    Asked whether HM Government has come to a formal conclusion regarding Russia’s commission of crimes against humanity, echoing the Vice-President of the United States’ statement from last week.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Welcomed the UK's move to freeze Russian assets but questioned why there has been delay in utilizing these funds for Ukraine’s rebuilding programme, contrasting with actions taken by the EU and Canada.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Called for action against systematic rape, abuse, and sexual attacks on women of all ages committed by Russian forces, seeking assurance that those responsible will be held accountable.

  • Suggested looking again at the Holodomor in 1932-33 as a genocide to be formally recognised, given Russia's current actions and atrocities.

  • John Whittingdale Con Maldon

    Asked for confirmation on establishing an international special tribunal to pursue Russia for the crime of aggression in addition to actions by the International Criminal Court and Ukrainian judicial system.

  • Emphasised the importance of reassessing UK defence stocks urgently to ensure that ammunition supplies can sustain the war effort in Ukraine indefinitely.

  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left a devastating toll on Ukrainian lives and infrastructure, but Ukrainians have defended their land with courage. Labour supports the Government’s military aid to Ukraine and reinforcement of NATO allies. The debate highlights the need for a new stockpiles strategy, addressing Russian illicit finance in Britain, improving core defence capabilities, ensuring energy independence from autocratic regimes, and supporting Moldova against potential threats.

  • Duncan Baker Orchestrating aid to Ukraine

    Acknowledges the Government's efforts but also pays tribute to everyday citizens who have raised funds and provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Emphasises the resolve and bravery of Ukrainian people and their aid agencies.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Questions whether Labour would commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence if they were in power, a figure that was still being met after the end of the cold war.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Highlights concerns about Russian interference in Moldovan democracy and calls for urgent support from the UK Government to safeguard Moldova's security before further deterioration.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    Questions why there was so little mention of re-containment of Russia in the Integrated Review, suggesting that it must be a key focus in future iterations.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Supports calls for long-term plans to defeat Putin and provide more support for Ukrainian lawyers, judges, and psycho-social services for those suffering from trauma.

  • Emphasises the need to prepare for potential refugees fleeing Russia's advance in spring and the necessity of proper accommodation and provision for their permanent stay if needed.

  • Boris Johnson Con Uxbridge and South Ruislip

    The Prime Minister highlighted Putin's military failures and emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine with advanced weaponry to ensure a decisive victory over Russia. He also called for tighter sanctions against Russia, including designating it as a state sponsor of terrorism.

  • Dave Doogan SNP Angus and Perthshire Glens

    Echoes the consensus on Ukraine but urges for increased international coordination, particularly within NATO. Proposes an EU-wide ammunition purchase programme to counter Russia's war of attrition. Raises concerns about the UK's defence supply chain and suggests a five-year dedicated support package like Norway's. Advocates for seizing Russian funds as Canada has done. Questions India’s neutrality on the Ukraine conflict and urges clear messaging towards China about consequences if it supports Russia. Emphasises the need to focus on air power support for Ukraine, highlighting issues with training Ukrainian pilots on UK aircraft that are not available or suitable.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Intervenes to suggest utilising tranche 1 Typhoons sitting in warehouses for Ukraine's use, arguing they could be more effective in defending freedom than left unused.

  • Elizabeth Truss Con Norwich South

    Called out Putin's intentions since 2007, criticised the lack of action against Russia earlier, and emphasised the need for Ukraine's membership in NATO. She also advocated for stricter economic measures to hold Russia accountable and proposed an 'economic NATO' for better international coordination.

  • Bob Stewart Con Beckenham

    Intervened to point out that Russia is responsible under the 1994 Budapest accord, which guaranteed Ukraine's sovereignty.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    The speaker emphasised the need to break the balance of force, choke the oligarchs supporting Putin's war machine, and commence the pursuit of justice. He criticised the delay in responding positively to requests for military aid such as F-16 jets and called for quicker decision-making processes by the Treasury Front Benchers. Byrne also stressed the importance of a more comprehensive sanctions regime targeting the Wagner Group and urged for their designation as a proscribed organisation, similar to the US approach. He highlighted ongoing efforts to prosecute war crimes but advocated for quicker recognition of these crimes by the UK Government.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    In response to Liam Byrne's speech, Mark Francois intervened to suggest that providing military support such as Challenger 2 tanks could unlock further aid for Ukraine. He proposed that giving one squadron of older Typhoons might similarly prompt other nations to provide more advanced aircraft like MiGs and F-16s.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Tan Dhesi agreed with Liam Byrne's speech, emphasising the need to curb the Wagner Group's growing influence in Africa and work with allies to clamp down on this threat to global democracy.

  • Bob Stewart shared his experience as a witness in war crimes trials, noting that only a small percentage of those responsible for such crimes were prosecuted. He argued that more effort is needed if the intention is to properly address and hold accountable individuals involved in genocide and war against humanity.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Mr. Lewis emphasised the importance of deterrence, containment, and unpredictability in defence strategy. He highlighted an example where then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that Ukraine's President Zelensky might need a safe place for himself and his Cabinet during the invasion. He warned against complacency regarding Ukraine’s potential defeat despite its current resistance. Lewis criticised NATO’s exit from Afghanistan as sending signals of weakness to Putin, possibly influencing Russia’s timing in invading Ukraine. He also discussed an analysis by Dr Françoise Thom on Russian draft treaties presented before the invasion, indicating that unless Western states comply with Russian demands, they face military conflict. Mr. Lewis argued for the necessity of containment against aggressive powers and criticised the current UK defence budget as insufficient, advocating for increased investment to support Ukraine's freedom and maintain peace in the western world.

  • Judith Cummins Lab Bradford South

    The hon. Member for Bradford South highlighted the ongoing impact of Russia's invasion on Ukraine, emphasising the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people. She shared her experience visiting Ukraine with humanitarian organisations and witnessed first-hand the destruction caused by Russian forces. She called for continued military support but also stressed the need to begin planning for recovery efforts as well.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    The hon. Member for Honiton and Sidmouth argued that the UK should increase its industrial production for defence while isolating Russia and preparing for peace. He stressed the importance of NATO's role in supporting Ukraine, refuting Russian propaganda about it being NATO's war. He suggested proactively supplying equipment to Ukraine rather than responding reactively. He also emphasised the need for anticipation of future requests from Ukraine and highlighted past historical events like the 1915 shell crisis and the withdrawal of Yugoslav security forces from Kosovo as examples for current diplomacy.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    Whittome speaks as a socialist and anti-imperialist, supporting the Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression. She emphasises the importance of solidarity with Ukraine in defending itself and stresses that ending support for Ukraine would be tantamount to endorsing war crimes and an oppressive global order. Whittome calls for more military aid, taxation on entities profiting from war, cancellation of Ukraine's debt, and ensuring refugees' access to services while opposing austerity measures for reconstruction.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon supports increased support for Ukraine, citing the systematic abuse carried out by Russian soldiers and violations of religious freedom. He highlights the destruction of 494 religious buildings in Ukraine since Russia's invasion and calls for more action from European countries to match UK’s commitment.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Pollard highlighted the ongoing suffering in Ukraine due to Putin's invasion, emphasising the need for cross-party unity in support of Ukraine. He criticised Russia's information warfare efforts and urged swift action against the Wagner Group. Pollard also questioned the government’s commitment to long-term military and economic aid to Ukraine and expressed concerns about stockpile depletion and defence industry readiness.

  • Stewart reflected on historical conflicts, emphasising the importance of public pressure within Russia to end the war. He suggested that in the future, a stable and decent Russia is essential for its people to live in peace.

  • Nadia Whittome Lab Nottingham East

    Whittome questioned whether the Ministry of Defence should have donated military vehicles to Ukraine instead of selling them off or auctioning them to private arms dealers.

  • Dean Russell Con Watford

    Agreed that Putin underestimated Western resolve, reiterating the commitment to Ukraine shown through the minute's silence on Friday.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    Asked why the United States had sanctioned more individuals associated with the Wagner Group than the UK, questioning the adequacy of the UK's sanctions policy.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy