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Question
The shadow commends the Government's record but questions the pace of equipment delivery, citing shortages in artillery shells and air defence systems. He asks about Ukraine's ability to hold current positions and the future outlook on supplies.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the shadow's concerns, noting limitations in providing exact operational details. The UK has provided over 1,000 air defence systems but recognises the need for more support from allies. He emphasises the UK’s role in Ukraine’s resilience and pledges to continue efforts through capability coalitions.
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Question
Asking about the long-term military aid plan for Ukraine, coordination with NATO allies on munition support, and funding allocation for 2024. The MP also questions the Prime Minister’s absence at the Paris summit.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms £245 million artillery munitions package and emphasises immediate focus on current needs over long-term planning. He mentions coordination through capability coalitions like drones, stressing the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine's security.
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Question
Reflecting on the decision in the Syria vote that led to Russia’s actions and asking about ensuring Ukraine’s safety and Russia's return to peaceful nationhood.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees on the importance of security for both Ukraine and allies, emphasising moral and strategic interests in supporting a free country invaded illegally. He underscores the impact of an emboldened Russia on potential adversaries.
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Question
Ukraine is on the frontline of both its own battles and those of international democracy. Will the UK Government prepare an International Criminal Court case against Russia for bombing civilians in Ukraine? How can we ensure a united western effort to support Ukraine?
Minister reply
Acknowledges the strong consensus in supporting Ukraine, emphasising the importance of air defence systems including drones. The UK cannot provide F-16 fighters but is offering elementary flying training and will continue to do everything possible.
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Question
How has the Government responded regarding 155 mm shells and BAE Systems production lines? Is the contract with BAE working at maximum capacity?
Minister reply
The order for an eightfold increase in 155 mm production was placed last July, aiming to work initially out of Washington plant before relocating to south Wales. The UK is playing a leading role in ensuring other nations join in providing munitions.
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Question
Why did it take until mid-2023 for the order of additional artillery shells to be placed, despite knowing early in 2022 that this would be an artillery war?
Minister reply
The order was placed last July; UK has provided 300,000 artillery shells into Ukraine and is playing a leading role in ensuring other nations join us in providing munitions.
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Question
Will the UK ensure financial investment to manufacture arms needed for Europe’s protection against Russian aggression?
Minister reply
The government is engaging with Treasury and defence companies about funding core munitions that support peace, freedom, and democracy. Concerns raised about EU ethical banking laws potentially hindering investments.
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Question
What discussions are occurring with German counterparts about the Taurus missile system to support Ukraine’s Black sea shipping corridor?
Minister reply
The UK reopened the strategic grain export route, facilitating 19 million tonnes of grain through; ongoing engagement with allies on providing necessary systems while being cautious about commenting on individual countries’ capabilities.
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Question
What conversations have been had across Europe and with NATO allies regarding the long-term response to Russia’s increased production of shells and ammunition?
Minister reply
NATO members are joining for collective orders on ordnance through MPIs; focus is on sending a strong demand signal to industry in Europe while showing determination against Putin.
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Question
How much of the £2.5 billion allocated for 2024 is being spent on Ukraine versus operational costs at NATO bases?
Minister reply
The £2.5 billion includes commitments such as £245 million on artillery munitions and £200 million on drones, but no line-by-line breakdown will be provided.
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Question
Is the UK ready for modern warfare given the current situation with Ukraine? How can we do more?
Minister reply
Agrees that the current threats require a strong deterrent against adversaries; emphasises the need to invest in armed forces and conventional deterrent, while continuing support for Ukraine.
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Question
How is the Minister addressing demining efforts in Ukraine? What preventive measures are being taken internationally?
Minister reply
Acknowledges the issue of naval mines and will look into providing funds for demining while encouraging a united stance against adversaries.
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Question
Will my hon. Friend join me in paying tribute to the fantastic work being done by Defence Equipment and Support in my constituency? What can we do to speed up the process of collaboration in manufacturing in Ukraine between British and Ukrainian companies?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is sterling in his championing of the Ukrainian cause and of the excellent work done by DE&S in his constituency. I have visited Abbey Wood twice, where there is excellent leadership under Andy Start. We recently had our first defence trade visit to Ukraine, showing a keenness for more such collaborations.
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Question
May I reiterate how proud we are of the armed forces personnel involved in Op Interflex and urge the Government to confirm its commitment to the programme beyond the summer?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is right that Operation Interflex has provided significant training to Ukrainian recruits, with international support from many nations. We will remain committed to this operation for as long as it takes Ukraine to win.
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Question
There was absolute praise for Britain’s provision of munitions and equipment in Ukraine; can Europe be described as at war, affecting our economy and security? Can frozen Russian assets be used to support Ukraine?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend makes excellent points. We are showing leadership by standing up to Putin and I agree that we should explore using frozen Russian assets for Ukrainian support, focusing initially on the interest earned.
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Question
Will UK air defence capabilities continue to support NATO allies on the frontline? Can further medical units be dispatched to treat injured Ukrainians?
Minister reply
I will write to the hon. Gentleman regarding his first question. On medical personnel, we are training them within our efforts and can provide more details in a letter.
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Question
With 18 NATO countries meeting the 2% GDP commitment for defence spending, will the British defence industry be on a war footing to spend urgent operational requirement money and deliver it to Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are ramping up production with our defence industry, bringing forward a munitions strategy soon. We assure that we will work to meet urgent operational requirements effectively.
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Question
What specific efforts have been made by the Government to convey urgency to allies in providing military supplies? Will Cabinet colleagues redouble their efforts?
Minister reply
We encourage our allies at every international meeting, and there is an overwhelming consensus among them to support Ukraine. We will continue our efforts to push for more urgent support.
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Question
Due to past efforts, our stockpiles are depleted; does the Minister agree there have been delays in issuing contracts preventing British manufacturers from producing goods we need?
Minister reply
We maintain levels of holdings for military purposes but have gifted as much as possible. We continue core procurement for UK military while also providing international support.
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Question
How are the Government monitoring and holding accountable those involved in the supply chain to prevent delay, misuse or diversion of military equipment?
Minister reply
We closely monitor these matters with international partners. Ensuring that equipment reaches the frontline is a priority.
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Question
The human cost of this war includes 20,000 children stolen by Russians; how can Russia be held accountable and the proceeds from frozen Russian assets used to pay for the war and reconstruction?
Minister reply
We hold Russia accountable through our efforts in supporting Ukraine with weapons, training personnel, and ensuring allies join us. We must continue these efforts.
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Question
The US State Department reported that North Korea delivered 10,000 containers of munitions to Russia; what can be done to disrupt this supply chain?
Minister reply
This is a priority we look at closely with international partners.
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Question
I, too, joined my hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight and other colleagues in Ukraine at the weekend. The point about the “slow yes” to the provision of kit and funds is well made by the hon. Member for Llanelli. As well as conventional warfare, the Russians are increasingly using cyber warfare, recently taking out virtually the whole mobile network, with implications for the frontline as well. Central to countering that is advanced satellite technology provided by British companies, which also has applications for mine detection. Having recently had a spread of 30 metres, they can now get it down to 5 cm with heat detection devices. These are crucial, so can we make sure that we do not just limit our support to conventional warfare ammunition, but look at high-tech and cyber warfare, which will be increasingly necessary?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an extremely important point. We knew already that the battle space is contested and that forces need to be closely integrated, but what Ukraine has shown above all else is the extraordinary extent to which electronic warfare plays a role. The mass jamming across the domain has to be factored into any kit that is used, and it will have to be factored into procurement going forward. We must be aware of these developments. We have our own brilliant resources, such as the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, and there are things that we have done that are sensitive and that have provided support as far as possible, but he is right to talk in particular about the importance of the space domain. The UK is lucky to have a strong, sovereign space industry, supporting defence in the civil sector. Going forward, we need to be aware of how warfare is changing and be able to respond rapidly with our procurement.
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Question
I thank the Minister for his helpful and encouraging answers. Having read in the press recently about the price of military supplies and the protracted situation in Ukraine, it is clear that help with military supplies is essential. As I understand it, missiles can cost as much as £1 million each. Is there any more that can be done with our NATO allies, financially, physically and militarily, to help ensure that Ukraine continues to have the means to stave off the ceaseless attack by Russia?
Minister reply
As ever, we save the best till last. [Interruption.] Oh, the hon. Gentleman is second to last, my apologies. Nevertheless, I shall always say that when he is called to speak. The hon. Gentleman makes a very good point about the cost. When we talk about the multilateral procurement initiative, we could argue that it is like a bulk buy between nations. Obviously, we want to see economies of scale for that in exchange for the massive demand signal that we will be providing for European industry. However, the key point is not just to send a demand signal, but, ultimately, to send a deterrent signal. If we in Europe rally round in European NATO along with our US allies and step up the pace on industrial reinvigoration in the defence space, that will in itself be part of the deterrent message that we send to Putin.
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Question
Along with colleagues from across the House, I was in Ukraine at the weekend, and I was struck by the gratitude of the Ukrainians to the UK. I was also struck by the words of General Wesley Clark, speaking at the Yalta European strategy conference, when he made a prediction that we are in the second year of a six-year war. If that prediction is accurate, will the Minister outline what efforts are under way to locate compatible ammunition supplies from countries with older stocks, and does he agree that it is important to get supplies out of stockpiles and on to the frontline in Ukraine, so that we can tip this war in Ukraine’s favour?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for joining other colleagues in going out to Ukraine, showing the solidarity that we have for it and the strong cross-parliamentary consensus. Often when we talk about procurement for Ukraine, there can be some misunderstanding. Just to be clear, an awful lot of the munitions that have been provided were sourced internationally, but we do not necessarily go into the minute detail of that. He is absolutely right; initially that meant providing what was largely ex-Soviet stock, but in the long term we want to enable the Ukrainians to produce munitions to NATO standard. We want to work closely with them on that, and that is how we will get their industry into order so that they can sustain their own ability to fight over the long term.