Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine

22 February 2024 · 12 other contributors

Opened by Grant Shapps Con East Surrey

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

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

Key points

  • Mr Shapps began his statement by reflecting on the moment he was informed about Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago.
  • He highlighted significant military losses inflicted upon Russian forces, including 356,000 casualties.
  • The UK's contribution includes 7 billion in military aid to Ukraine.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Grant Shapps

Mr. Shapps began his statement by reflecting on the moment he was informed about Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago, emphasising the resilience and international support that has since bolstered Ukrainian resistance. He highlighted significant military losses inflicted upon Russian forces, including 356,000 casualties, while underscoring Ukraine's territorial gains and restored economic trade through the Black Sea corridor. The UK's contribution includes £7 billion in military aid and over £12 billion in total support, with a new investment of £2.5 billion announced for 2024. Mr. Shapps also detailed specific equipment like Brimstone anti-tank missiles and various drone systems being sent to Ukraine, alongside training programmes for Ukrainian troops and collaboration among NATO countries to bolster Ukraine's capabilities.

Other contributors (12)
  • John Spellar Lab Coventry North East

    Question

    Mr. Spellar inquired about the specific details of how the £2.5 billion announced for military support will be used, stressing the need for transparency and accountability to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently towards enhancing Ukraine's combat capabilities.

    Minister reply

    In response to Mr. Spellar’s question on the allocation of the additional £2.5 billion, Mr. Shapps assured that this funding is part of a strategic package aimed at bolstering Ukrainian forces with essential equipment and training programmes. He emphasised the commitment to provide Ukraine with the necessary tools for its defence.

  • Caroline Lucas Green Brighton Pavilion

    Question

    Ms. Lucas raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased military spending, questioning whether this investment aligns with UK's commitments towards sustainable development and peacekeeping.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging Ms. Lucas’s points on sustainability and peacekeeping, Mr. Shapps clarified that while the priority is to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, efforts are also made to ensure compliance with international environmental standards in procurement processes.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Question

    I thank the Defence Secretary for his statement... [full shadow response as provided]

    Minister reply

    Thanking John Healey for his support, Grant Shapps reassures him that UK continues to provide exceptional military training. NATO membership is the ultimate path for Ukraine and measures are being taken to reinforce it. Regarding the family visa scheme closure, he mentions personal experience with a Ukrainian family and states current visa arrangements among the most generous globally.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Question

    Drawing parallels with 1930s, in conversations with Republican congressmen to support aid package, he was asked why should Americans send taxpayer dollars to Ukraine. He humbly replied that it is ultimately cheaper than sending their sons and daughters.

    Minister reply

    Grant Shapps agrees with Mark Francois's point that the aid package is in America’s interest as it is crucial for coming to the rescue of Europe, ensuring that despotic leaders or autocrats do not take on the red line of the west and find it far more expensive in the future.

  • Martin Docherty SNP

    Question

    Thanking Secretary of State for statement... [full Martin Docherty's question as provided]

    Minister reply

    Grant Shapps thanks Martin Docherty for highlighting supply chain issues and raising concerns about sanction-busting exports from the UK to Kyrgyzstan. He assures that British Government will be taking a close look at these issues, working closely with Treasury and Foreign Office.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Question

    Can my right hon. Friend emphasise that the light attendance in the House this afternoon is not an indication of any lack of resolve among Members or political parties to stand up to President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which was described as an 'existential' threat? Can he also share whether there is evidence of an emboldening of Russian aggression towards Moldova?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is correct that the attendance does not reflect a lack of resolve. Members have returned to their constituencies with confidence due to the House's solid, iron resolve for Ukraine. Regarding Russia's actions, Putin will go to any lengths, including working with pariah states, but we must stick together and ensure Putin understands our commitment.

  • John Spellar

    Question

    Why did it take from February 2022 to July 2023 to place the order for additional artillery shells? Does Britain's Government machine seem to have failed in mobilising British industry compared to Russia?

    Minister reply

    While ramping up production is difficult, we are now producing eight times more munitions and missiles than before the war. We established an international fund for Ukraine which has received contributions from various countries like Australia. The mechanism allows other countries to contribute and buy in coalition on their behalf.

  • Henry Smith

    Question

    Will the Secretary of State join me in paying tribute to British military officers supporting Ukraine, Poland, and Baltic states? What can we do to strengthen air defences against Russian aggression?

    Minister reply

    I am delighted to pay tribute to British military assistance. We provided two Typhoons to Poland before its election and also provide other air defence mechanisms. I would be happy to provide further briefing.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Will the Defence Secretary condemn Medvedev’s rhetoric on Russia's ambitions? Will he rebut the claim that the Russian Federation is threatened by Kyiv? Will he ask his counterparts in Delhi and Beijing to urge Medvedev to halt his nuclear sabre rattling?

    Minister reply

    The hon. Member is right to point out irresponsible comments, which are completely fiction. NATO has no desire to do anything but defend existing borders, hence it is no threat whatsoever to Moscow.

  • Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington

    Question

    Will the Secretary of State confirm that our vital training programme for Ukrainian recruits will continue as long as needed?

    Minister reply

    We are always looking at how to improve and ensure we provide necessary training. The figure was 10,000 for the first half of the year, and plans will be assessed from there on.

  • Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

    Question

    Can the Secretary of State step up pressure to shut down sanctions evasion? What measures are being taken to seize assets?

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Gentleman is correct about the need to address sanctions evasion. I have taken a tough line on preventing people from benefiting from friendships with Putin, and we will look at what may have worked initially but now needs improvement.

Shadow Comment

John Healey

Mr. Healey acknowledged the importance of continued UK support for Ukraine in light of ongoing Russian aggression. He praised previous collaborative efforts but emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy to address all fronts of Russia's war, including military aid, diplomatic coordination, economic sanctions enforcement, industrial production enhancement, and preparations for post-war reconstruction. He called upon the Defence Secretary to outline a detailed action plan for these areas, ensuring that every pound allocated is spent effectively on Ukraine’s needs and not UK operational costs.

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