Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine

11 May 2023 · 21 other contributors

Opened by Ben Wallace Con Crawley

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

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

Key points

  • The Minister of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, updated the House of Commons on Russia's attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
  • The statement noted that it is now day 442 since the conflict began.
  • Moscow's actions have led to a massive displacement of people in Europe, including almost 8 million refugees and nearly 6 million internally displaced individuals.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Ben Wallace

The Minister of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, delivered a statement to the House of Commons updating members on Russia's attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. The statement began by highlighting that it is now day 442 since the conflict started, with Moscow having caused a massive displacement of people in Europe due to war, including almost 8 million refugees and nearly 6 million internally displaced individuals. It also emphasised the targeting of civilian areas such as Bakhmut, where fewer than 7,000 residents remain out of an original population ten times larger, after enduring nine months without basic amenities. The statement detailed Russia's extensive violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and agricultural infrastructure. It cited estimates from the Kyiv School of Economics indicating that Russia stole or destroyed 4.04 million tonnes of grain and oilseeds during the 2022 season, amounting to $1.9bn in losses. The speech also covered the use of cluster munitions by Russian forces against civilian targets and the employment of Iranian-made Shahed drones for attacks on Ukraine's critical infrastructure. Furthermore, it highlighted Russia's targeting of nuclear power plants, which posed significant risks to global safety as noted by Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mr Wallace also mentioned that at least 23,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed or wounded so far, with thousands more forcibly relocated to Russia. He stated that both the United Nations and US investigators had found evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine. The Minister's statement concluded with an update on UK support for Ukraine, confirming that Storm Shadow missiles are being donated to provide longer-range capabilities against Russian aggression. This decision was taken due to Russia’s continued targeting of Ukrainian civilian infrastructure despite previous warnings and objections raised by the UK Government.

Other contributors (21)
  • John Spellar Lab Coventry North East

    Question

    Does the Secretary of State agree that it is vital to ensure that weapons supplied to Ukraine are used appropriately and do not fall into the wrong hands?

    Minister reply

    The UK is working closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure the secure storage and appropriate use of all military aid provided. We will continue to monitor the situation carefully.

  • David Burrowes Con Enfield, Southgate

    Question

    Will the Secretary of State take this opportunity to explain why Russia has been able to supply large numbers of Iranian-made Shahed drones while we are being so cautious about providing longer-range precision weapons?

    Minister reply

    Russia’s provision of such weapons undermines international peace and security. The UK's approach is carefully calibrated based on the evolving situation and our commitment to supporting Ukraine effectively.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The Secretary of State mentioned support for President Zelensky’s expected counter-offensive. Will he provide any further details?

    Minister reply

    We are fully committed to supporting Ukraine in its defence and will continue to supply the necessary military aid as per our assessment of the situation on the ground.

  • James Morris Con Hendon

    Question

    Does the Secretary of State agree that if Russia’s barbaric behaviour continues, further escalation of support for Ukraine will be inevitable?

    Minister reply

    Russia's continued aggression necessitates a firm and proportionate response. We are prepared to act in defence of our values and to uphold international law.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    We are united in our determination to help in the defence of Ukraine and of our shared values. I welcome the Defence Secretary’s statement—his first on Ukraine since January, and the first announcement of new weapons to Ukraine since February. We welcome the vital new military support as the Ukrainians prepare for their expected counter-offensive. What limitations are put on the use of those longer-range missiles? How have they been integrated with Ukrainian planes? Will other NATO allies now follow with similar support?

    Minister reply

    On limitations, obviously we will not talk in public about whether there are limitations. The key here is to give Ukraine that capability to defend itself within its sovereign territory. Storm Shadow is an air-fired missile, and integrating it with former Soviet or Russian aircraft took time due to technical feasibility.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    Have all 10 types of UK armoured vehicles pledged to Ukraine now been delivered to Ukraine? The Defence Secretary is right that, although Putin proclaimed, “Here is to our victory!” in the Victory Day parade in Moscow this week, he cannot disguise or distract from his failure in Ukraine. Despite that, Russia is far from a spent military force. The next few weeks and months will be critical.

    Minister reply

    I know that all our tanks have gone into the country, as well as many of our Spartans and armoured vehicles. I do not know whether every single one has, and I am happy to write to him, but the big ones such as the tanks are all in country.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    Why is the Government still refusing UK support for a special tribunal to prosecute Putin? Who in Government is responsible for leading, integrating and co-ordinating the UK’s backing for Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    Proscribing an organisation is a matter for the Home Office. The Wagner Group poses a threat to the United Kingdom and her allies, either directly or indirectly, and does need dealing with. On regional plans, I am trying to decipher them as they are over 3,000 pages long.

  • Tobias Ellwood Con Bournemouth East

    Question

    Welcomed the UK's support for Ukraine, including lethal aid and humanitarian assistance. Noted Russia may respond with unconventional methods if a counter-offensive takes place.

    Minister reply

    Agreed that the conflict is unlikely to end quickly due to Russia's willingness to sacrifice its own troops. Mentioned Storm Shadow's role in providing deeper range capability compared to HIMARS. Acknowledged President Biden's support for Ukraine and expressed confidence in continued US backing regardless of future elections.

  • Chris Stephens SNP Glasgow North West

    Question

    Asked the Minister to proscribe the Wagner Group as a terrorist organisation, seeking court action against it. Inquired about delays in delivering armoured vehicles and requested sanctions on Russian oil imports.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged proscription's limitations but suggested financial penalties through UK courts could be more effective against mercenaries like Wagner. Agreed to consider proscribing the IRGC due to its supply of drones to Russia. Described efforts to coordinate deliveries with allies and enhance logistical support.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    Welcomed Storm Shadow's delivery but urged the Minister to lobby for an economic Ramstein of G7 Treasury Ministers to suffocate Putin's finances.

    Minister reply

    Agreed with the idea of a coordinated economic effort through the G7, noting ongoing efforts like the oil cap and addressing loopholes in sanctions enforcement.

  • John Spellar Lab Epsom and Ewell

    Question

    Asked about ensuring production capacity to support both Ukraine and restock UK armed forces.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the importance of restocking, mentioning contracts for next-generation light anti-tank weapons and 155 mm shells. Noted funding from Treasury for refurbishment and commitment to spend latest budget allocation on keeping forces refurbished.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Question

    We have led western Europe in supplying kit to the Ukrainians—ably administered by MOD Defence Equipment and Support, it should be noted—but we have not yet sent jets, despite the fact that we have a squadron of tranche 1 Typhoons sitting in a hangar. Can I ask him specifically what we are doing first to send jets, and secondly to encourage other western allies to send MiG-29s, F-16s or even A-10s to Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    We offered the Ukrainians training on Typhoons but they turned it down in favour of support on the F-16 which we do not hold. I would encourage any colleagues to gift F-16s and if they do, we will happily move them.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    What is the United States Government’s position on the UK's decision to supply that deep-strike capability?

    Minister reply

    The US has not denied Ukraine longer-range missiles but it is a different type of munition. The Americans have been supportive of our decision.

  • Vicky Ford

    Question

    Given the attacks on medical facilities and the level of casualties, can my right hon. Friend update us on what medical support the UK has been giving to Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    We have provided healthcare training, equipment for medical purposes including rehabilitation, and Department of Health and Social Care assistance with generators, ambulances and other medical supplies.

  • Paula Barker Lab Liverpool Wavertree

    Question

    Why is he still pushing ahead with further cuts to the British Army of 10,000 troops and £2 billion real-terms cuts in day-to-day MOD spending?

    Minister reply

    Successive Governments have hollowed out the armed forces for the past 30 years, but we are now getting extra funding to refurbish and modernise our armed forces.

  • James Sunderland

    Question

    Can we assume in this case that the deployment of Storm Shadow might pre-empt other medium and long-range weapons being deployed from other NATO nations? Also, can he give an answer specifically on what it will take for F-16s to be deployed?

    Minister reply

    The assessment is that the planned number of Storm Shadows gifted is currently enough to satisfy Ukrainian demand. We will keep this under review.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    What immediate steps will the Foreign Office take to deliver the much-needed and announced vehicles to assist Ukraine in pushing back Russia as it intensifies its attacks?

    Minister reply

    We will continue supporting them to ensure that everything gifted is in place when they decide to launch their counter-offensive.

  • David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

    Question

    Can he confirm that the UK Government will continue to support the day-to-day work of the HALO Trust and the Mines Advisory Group in the removal of mines?

    Minister reply

    The Government will do everything we can to support those organisations long after the conflict is over.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    Does he agree that the bravery of women soldiers in Ukraine should be recognised? What support have the Government provided to ensure that female soldiers have the equipment they need?

    Minister reply

    The Government has started buying equipment for women and not just for all, reflecting this in work with Ukraine.

  • Holly Mumby-Croft Lab

    Question

    I thank my right hon. Friend for the update he has given today and for all the work he is doing, which is tremendous. I spent a very short time—just a few days—in Ukraine earlier this year, and I saw the devastation coming from the illegal invasion. He touched on Operation Interflex. Can he say any more about how that work is progressing?

    Minister reply

    I took the First Lady of Ukraine to Interflex last week. We have nearly 700 foreign troops helping, from Australia, New Zealand, most of Scandinavia and the Netherlands, alongside some 750 British troops. We trained 9,000-plus last year and are on course to do 20,000 this year. We have now expanded at the request of the Ukrainians to do not just basic training, but training non-commissioned officers. Just last week, we started platoon commanders courses. We are starting in the development of the low-level leadership that a country needs to start rebuilding its armed forces. We expect to continue to get requests. We have had another request to expand the training. We are absolutely in the middle of it. I will be having a conversation about that this afternoon and I hope to have more to announce to the House later.

Shadow Comment

John Healey

The Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, welcomed the Minister's statement on providing longer-range missiles to Ukraine but questioned the delays in implementing this support. He sought clarification on restrictions regarding the use of Storm Shadow missiles and their integration with Ukrainian military systems. Mr Healey noted that President Zelensky had expressed frustration over delayed deliveries and requested immediate assistance for armoured vehicles. The Labour representative further pressed for details about the 2023 action plan promised by the Defence Secretary last August, as well as questions on the progress of equipment procurement from the UK-led international fund for Ukraine. The Shadow Minister also inquired about designating Russian entities like the Wager Group as terrorist organisations and supporting a special tribunal to prosecute Putin's war crimes. He expressed concerns over maintaining momentum for continued support for Ukraine amidst critical upcoming months.

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