Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Ukraine

11 September 2023 · 31 other contributors

Opened by James Heappey Con South Dorset

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

At a glance

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

Key points

  • Moves that the House has considered the situation in Ukraine
  • Updates on Ukraine's offensive and strategic consequences of Putin's war
  • Emphasises the need to continue supporting Ukraine until total victory is achieved

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 Heappey Con South Dorset

Moves that this House has considered the situation in Ukraine. Outlines updates on Ukraine's offensive, strategic consequences of Putin's war, and UK support for Ukraine. Emphasises the need to continue supporting Ukraine until total victory is achieved.

Other contributors (31)
  • James Heappey Con South Dorset

    Provides an update on Ukraine's offensive progress, discusses strategic implications of Putin's war, and outlines UK support for Ukraine including military aid, training programmes, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery efforts, and sanctions against Russia. Emphasises the importance of continued international support to ensure Ukraine’s victory.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Asks about current mine clearance efforts in Ukraine and seeks clarity on how the UK can assist with demining operations despite ongoing conflict.

  • Supports the need for immediate action in mine clearance using advanced technology and artificial intelligence, not just post-conflict efforts.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Inquires about medical aid supplies to Ukrainians on the frontline as two organisations based in Putney have raised significant funds for medical support.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Suggests that expired NHS medical equipment would be useful for charitable efforts aiding Ukraine, citing a local charity's request.

  • Questions whether consideration is being given to training junior officers through Sandhurst-style packages to address the lack of J3 ops experience and basic plan-making skills in the Ukrainian military.

  • Highlights that full NATO member commitment to 2% GDP defence spending would best support Ukraine, asking how the UK can encourage other nations to meet this target.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Co-op Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

    Pollard argued that despite British efforts, there is an urgent need to double down on support for Ukraine's counter-offensive. He called for the new Defence Secretary to accelerate UK assistance and remove bureaucratic hurdles preventing partnerships between UK industry and Ukrainian allies. Pollard also urged for a strategy to protect against threats such as missile technology and drone attacks, especially targeting civilian energy infrastructure. Additionally, he stressed the importance of long-term security guarantees and criticised previous Conservative Governments for underfunding defence.

  • Jack Lopresti Con Filton and Bradley Stoke

    Lopresti responded to Pollard's speech by mentioning that aerial superiority was key in breaking out during the Normandy landings, highlighting the need for similar support for Ukraine.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Shannon praised Thales for its quick response to provide NLAWs to Ukraine and thanked the workers in Belfast for their contribution.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Jenkin welcomed Labour's pledge of continued support for Ukraine but questioned whether this extended to funding guarantees, urging Pollard to match whatever the Government promises on defence spending.

  • Tobias Ellwood Con Bournemouth East

    Ellwood emphasises the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, noting that the G20 statement reflects geopolitical difficulties. He stresses the importance of continuing support for Ukraine and criticising Russia's actions. He highlights the British Government's commendable engagement prior to and during the invasion, providing significant military assistance to Ukraine. Ellwood also discusses recent events involving Yevgeny Prigozhin, suggesting that Putin is weakening. He argues against drawing a line on negotiations with Russia and calls for patience while supporting Ukraine further in both military aid and economic measures like unfreezing Russian assets and protecting grain shipments.

  • Martin Docherty Lab Glasgow North West

    Mr. Docherty supports Ukraine's struggle to establish control of their homeland and acknowledges the political will shown by the Government in remaining ahead of the curve with the international response. He notes that while Russia has adapted on the battlefield, recent advances by Ukrainian forces should be welcomed. Emphasises the importance of allowing Ukraine to lead its strategy and continuing to supply necessary matériel. Highlights the need for patience and resolve in both winning the war and preparing for peace and reconstruction. Also calls for continued bipartisan support for aiding Ukraine in the US.

  • Jack Lopresti Con Congleton

    The people of Ukraine are suffering greatly due to Russian aggression, and the speaker witnessed firsthand the atrocities committed against civilians in Irpin. The Ukrainian troops fighting on the frontline have high morale and have received significant training from the UK. The Government's commitment to providing equipment, weapons, training, and aid is crucial for Ukraine's victory. A new UK-led training programme including fighter jets and marines was welcomed by the speaker. He also discussed the importance of MOD Defence Equipment and Support in his constituency, which plays a vital role in supplying Ukrainian forces with necessary equipment. The British defence manufacturing sector has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine’s military, but closer cooperation between the two countries is urgent to address current shortages. Ensuring Russian forces are expelled from Ukraine is essential for global trade stability, security, and foreign direct investment. Securing peace guarantees and promoting NATO membership for Ukraine should be a priority for the UK.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Filton and Bradley Stoke, who I have been following recently. At Yalta European Strategy, we were joined by various MPs to discuss Ukraine's national day event in Leeds. The Ukrainian community centre there bought a support vehicle with funds raised from an auction in Morley and Outwood. Two weeks ago, the APPG delivered aid to Ukraine via five vehicles. There were delays at customs borders which need addressing. On arrival, they saw attacks on vital infrastructure like telecommunications. In Mykolaiv, nearly every building was destroyed, necessitating urgent reconstruction efforts for civilian infrastructure. A wind farm project highlighted Ukraine’s security strategy and the importance of distributed networks in wartime. In Kharkiv, schools and residential areas were heavily damaged, with significant mine risks. Troops described Russian adversaries as worthy opponents. The conference discussed the need to close the skies earlier and train pilots sooner. Storm Shadow missiles were appreciated but limited range remains an issue. Urgency is needed for rapid victory against Russia’s control of Ukraine.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Acknowledges groups in Newport West funding medicines, equipment, money and other vital supplies to support the war effort and people of Ukraine.

  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    Emphasised the ongoing human and infrastructure costs of the war in Ukraine, highlighting that more than 5,000 Ukrainians had lost limbs since the start of the conflict. She noted Russia's disruption of global supply lines, leading to increased inflation and food prices. Vicky Ford also mentioned the importance of ensuring Russia pays for the damage it has caused and called for an update on the use of frozen assets, such as those from Chelsea FC.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Welcomed the UK’s commitment to military assistance for Ukraine but raised concerns about drone attacks in Russia and the supply of cluster munitions. He questioned whether attacking Russian cities could have unintended consequences and expressed concern over the potential long-term impact of unexploded ordnance. Richard Foord also asked if NATO members were planning contingencies for funding withdrawals, and emphasised that it is up to Ukrainians to decide when to negotiate.

  • Bob Seely Con Isle of Wight

    Describes his recent visit to Ukraine, focusing on the evolving tactics and resilience of Ukrainian forces. He highlights the use of drones and gaming software for military communication and emphasises the need for economical use of force due to limited resources and high casualty rates. Also discusses Russian adaptability in warfare and suggests improvements in training programmes and strategic relationship with the UK.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon praised the UK Government's commitment to supporting Ukraine, highlighting the military assistance provided. He expressed concern over the perceived weakness of the Biden Administration and urged the West to stand firm against Russia. Emphasising the humanitarian impact on Ukrainians, he called for more decisive action from NATO countries and other allies. He also raised concerns about religious persecution in Ukraine, particularly targeting Christians by Russian forces. Shannon thanked various organisations in his constituency for offering support to Ukrainian refugees and underscored the importance of international solidarity in defending democracy.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Mr. Doughty emphasised the importance of continued support for Ukraine, highlighting his recent visit to Kyiv where he met with Ukrainian officials, parliamentarians, civil society members, and military personnel. He stressed that Russia's aggression since 2014 has caused significant harm and that Ukraine’s resilience is a testament to their determination. Mr. Doughty also noted the importance of UK training support for Ukraine, medical aid, and ensuring grain exports from the Black Sea are open. He called for Britain to play a leading role in securing Ukraine's path to joining NATO once they prevail against Russia's invasion.

  • Luke Pollard Lab Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport

    Discussed the brutal warfare inflicted on Ukraine, praised UK’s Operation Interflex effort, questioned progress on asset seizures.

  • Ellwood Con Bournemouth East

    Highlighted geopolitical context based on Prague experience in 1968. Emphasised commitment to NATO unity and defence expenditure.

  • Martin Docherty-Hughes Lab West Dunbartonshire

    Talked about the importance of lethal aid alongside reconstruction efforts, questioned Western unity on supporting Ukraine.

  • Jack Lopresti Con Filton and Bradley Stoke

    Reflected on visits to Ukraine including Irpin and artillery in action. Underlined the necessity of continued UK resolve at Yalta European Strategy summit.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Leeds North West

    Described journey with aid vehicle delivery, discussed destruction in civilian areas, and importance of air power support for Ukraine.

  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    Discussed human costs of the war, questioned about assets from Chelsea football club sale, and highlighted Wagner Group's malign activities.

  • Richard Foord Con Tiverton and Honiton

    Emphasised necessity of continued NATO unity, warned against taking it for granted. Highlighted strategic relationship with Ukraine.

  • Bob Seely Con Isle of Wight

    Provided unique insights into Ukrainian fighting style and Russian defence depth, discussed Operation Interflex efforts.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Discussed utility of lethal aid and Russia’s accountability for its actions. Questioned about NATO accession path for Ukraine.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Cardiff South and Penarth

    Praised Ukrainian spirit, questioned on NATO accession, discussed Zelensky's peace formula, and inquired about asset seizures and circumvention measures.

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