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Question
The right hon. Member questions the UK’s support for Ukraine, noting that despite statements about continued backing, there is no clear military funding or action plan announced in the autumn statement. He asks when the Government will pledge fresh military aid and publish a 2024 action plan.
Minister reply
The Minister assures the House of the UK's leadership role in supporting Ukraine with weapons systems and financial support. The pipeline for delivering these resources is reliable, reflecting discussions with Ukrainian leaders to understand their operational plans for next year. Once confirmed, the funding amount will be announced to Parliament.
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Question
The hon. Member questions why the previous £2.3 billion commitment was given twice but no clear number is provided for next year’s support.
Minister reply
The Minister states that he will convey to his colleagues in Government that Members on both sides of the House would be dismayed if less than £2.3 billion were given for the coming year.
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Question
The hon. Member asks when the Government will stop considering and start proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is a financer of Iran’s regime.
Minister reply
These are nuanced discussions, but the Minister will bring this question to colleagues in the Foreign Office.
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Question
The right hon. Member welcomes comments about insurance for shipping in the Black sea to encourage grain exports from Ukraine and asks if the British Government will continue supporting these exports.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that efforts are ongoing to ensure continued grain exports from Ukraine, which benefits many countries dependent on such supplies.
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Question
In August 2022, the Defence Secretary’s predecessor promised a 2023 action plan for Ukraine, but it has not been published yet. Will the Minister explain why this action plan has not been published, and when there will be one for 2024?
Minister reply
The masterplan for Ukraine next year is the Ukrainians’ plan for next year, and we have a duty to resource their plan through straight cash in-year as well as commitment over three to five years thereafter. The UK will understand what that plan is and announce how it will be resourced.
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Question
Will my right hon. Friend reassure me on the following two points: 1) as there are reports of a reduction in artillery deliveries to Ukraine, is enough getting through? 2) what are we doing to ensure our allies meet their 2% commitment to NATO?
Minister reply
Enough artillery is getting through based on military planning and manufacturing capacity, but the Ukrainian military plans for more resources if available. As for NATO’s 2% commitment, the UK will maintain its resolve and encourage other countries to step up before the Washington summit.
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Question
Where does the Minister think industry, Ukrainians, and British service personnel should look for comfort given the silence in the autumn statement on continued UK support?
Minister reply
The Ukrainians know what they are getting this year and have seen the UK leading donations. The 2% commitment is maintained and there is investment in modernisation and recapitalisation of the armed forces.
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Question
Will the Minister assure the House that political resolve in NATO will remain strong if this campaign becomes enduring, protracted, and attritional?
Minister reply
NATO’s resolve is clear but its part in deterring escalation beyond Ukraine is distinct from donor support. The UK will maintain its commitment.
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Question
How is it possible that NATO ally Turkey has seen a more than threefold increase in exports to Russia of goods vital for Putin’s war machine? What are the Minister and our NATO allies going to do about that?
Minister reply
The Minister will write to the right hon. Gentleman with the details.
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Question
Is it concerning that the shadow Secretary of State has slipped into party political fighting over UK support for Ukraine?
Minister reply
It is a feature and strength of the UK response to be non-partisan. The right hon. Gentleman saw an opportunity through the omission in the autumn statement, but understanding the Ukrainian plan must come first.
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Question
Does the Minister have any assessment of the impact of ongoing issues in the Middle East on Iran’s support for Russia and whether that might present an opportunity for Ukraine?
Minister reply
It would be overoptimistic to think that raised tensions in the Middle East might lead to a reduction in Iranian support for Russia. The UK is working to reassure Ukrainians and deter escalation.
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Question
Is the Minister aware of western technology being sourced by Russia? Does he think we are doing enough to stop it?
Minister reply
There was an alarming level of content from the west in Russian systems early in the war, leading to constraints on supply chains. The sanctions regime largely constrains this but needs further work.
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Question
What steps can be taken to make the case across the world that the defence of Ukraine is in the global interest?
Minister reply
The UK has been making the case from the outset. The right moral outcome for Ukraine is its restoration as a free sovereign country, and failure there would embolden Putin.
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Question
With the media focusing on the Middle East, does the Minister agree that we must not neglect the ongoing suffering of Ukrainians at home and in battle?
Minister reply
The UK is committed to supporting Ukraine alongside other critical issues. The conflict is dynamic and requires sustained effort on all fronts.
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Question
What are the estimated military casualties from both sides, and what are the prospects for negotiations?
Minister reply
The Minister will provide an estimate of Russian casualties but acknowledges that Ukrainian casualties must also be considered. The war's outcome is not inevitable; sustained effort is needed to maintain current conditions.
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Question
How can we prevent Russia from financing its conflict through international trade, especially oil exports?
Minister reply
The UK works with international partners on diplomatic and economic fronts to counter Russian financing of the war.
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Question
Can the Minister update us on recent discussions about Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction efforts?
Minister reply
The UK continues to support Ukraine's military, economic, and democratic resilience. The Prime Minister and other ministers regularly meet Ukrainian officials.
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Question
How many Ukrainian recruits will receive training in the UK?
Minister reply
The aim is to maintain current training levels, which are highly valued by both trainees and instructors.
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Question
Why do Ukrainians face delays in obtaining biometric residence permits?
Minister reply
Representations will be made to the Home Office to expedite permit processing.
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Question
Does the Minister agree that air defences are crucial for securing grain exports? How can we assist in this regard?
Minister reply
Air defence systems are essential to protect Ukrainian infrastructure and ports. The UK is working globally to source necessary equipment.
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Question
What assurance can the Minister give that Ukrainians will have certainty about visa extensions in the UK?
Minister reply
The Home Office aims to provide as much certainty as possible, while avoiding permanent residency offers that could lead to brain drain from Ukraine.
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Question
What high-grade military equipment can the Minister allocate to aid Ukraine in its territorial advances?
Minister reply
The UK is providing substantial support, including advanced weaponry development assistance, though specific details cannot be disclosed.