NATO and European Political Community Meetings

Question

The Minister mentioned the £84 million for Africa and the Middle East, but could he provide more detail on how this funding will be used?

Question

Given the complex situation with illegal migration, how will the UK ensure effective collaboration with EU partners without compromising our national security interests?

Question

In light of Russia's aggressive actions, how will the government ensure continued support for Ukraine without causing undue economic strain on our own nation?

Question

How does the government plan to address the threats posed by Iran in light of its nuclear programme and support for Houthi rebels?

Question

The MP thanked the Prime Minister for his statement, praising President Biden's work, AUKUS partnership, support for Israel, defence against Houthi threats, and efforts to support Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of alliances in a more uncertain world and expressed readiness to discuss third-country migration partnerships with European leaders while ensuring trade-offs are balanced. The MP also addressed NATO’s commitment to Ukraine, security co-operation with EU allies, and the right of Israel to defend itself against threats from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels.

Question

The MP congratulated the Prime Minister for his approach to building a rights-based order and asked about discussions with international colleagues regarding freezing Russian assets and putting them towards defeating Putin.

Question

The MP welcomed closer co-operation with European neighbours on Russia's war against Ukraine and small-boats crisis, supported immediate ceasefire in Gaza, upholding international law. He asked about NATO summit pledge of long-term security assistance for Ukraine, increased support now to resist Russian attacks, and liberation of Ukrainian territory. The MP questioned the impact of US elections on UK and allies' security, urged increasing defence spending, and sought reassurance that reversing planned cuts to the Army would be a priority in the strategic defence review.

Question

It was incredibly pleasing to see the Prime Minister both at NATO and welcoming leaders from across our continent to Blenheim palace, at a historic moment for a reset with Europe after the disastrous legacy that the departing Government left behind. Did the subject of youth mobility for students and suchlike arise, and could his Government look into repairing it for its soft power, cultural exchange and growth-boosting properties that have been so valued, as we are now in a post-Erasmus era?

Question

May I congratulate the Prime Minister on his election victory, and particularly on the very strong commitment he gave at the beginning of his campaign to the maintenance of the strategic Trident nuclear deterrent in the future? Does he agree that, if there had existed in 1914 or in 1939 an organisation like NATO that committed America to the protection from day one of countries such as Belgium in the one case or Poland in the other, those two terrible conflicts might well never have broken out? Does he therefore share my concern that the virus of isolationism is again on the move in certain parts of the American political spectrum?

Question

I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on the leadership he showed not just at NATO, but at the European Political Community. Working together and collaborating are important, not least in the unstable world that we are in. Could he set out what discussions he had about the EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement in the light of its renegotiation deadlines next year?

Question

Can I, first, congratulate the Prime Minister on his election win, and wish him the very best in his new role? Building on the last question, the EPC summit seemed very positive. How does he see using this political locus to get the UK in the best possible position for the renegotiation of the TCA in 2026?

Question

The Prime Minister’s statement will be warmly welcomed by the people of Rochdale, particularly the Ukrainian community, which has flourished in our town for nearly 80 years. So can I pass on to him a direct message from Olga Kurtianyk, who is the chair of the Rochdale branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, who told me yesterday that she is very grateful for the Prime Minister’s continued support for President Zelensky in the fight against the illegal war that Putin has waged?

Question

May I also add my personal congratulations to the Prime Minister on his election win? The international rules-based system is the cornerstone of peace and security. The Prime Minister talks of a ceasefire in Gaza and the application of the rule of law. What measures is he willing to take to make sure that is implemented?

Question

For my constituents in Makerfield, restoring control over our borders is a key issue of concern. It has become a matter of public trust. Does the Prime Minister agree that the new border security command is an opportunity to show how the UK can play a leading role in tackling criminal smuggler gangs?

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister's reiteration that the UK remains the strongest supporter of Ukraine against Russian aggression, but what support can we also give to another former Soviet state, Armenia, both in resolving its conflict with Azerbaijan, and in pursuing its ambition to move closer to NATO and the European Union in the face of Russian threats and intimidation?

Question

I am one of 12 newly elected Members on this side of the House who have served in the armed forces, and in Plymouth so many of my friends and neighbours have served as well. All of us are deeply concerned by the ongoing illegal invasion and inhumane, increasingly barbaric, tactics Russia is using. Will the Prime Minister agree with me that in an uncertain world one thing we can be sure of is that Ukraine has no firmer friend than the UK?

Question

My constituents in Sleaford and North Hykeham are very concerned about levels of illegal migration, particularly people crossing the channel. I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister say that he wants to tackle it. He mentioned two measures: £84 million to tackle root causes and the focus, which is arguably already present, from law enforcement. In the last seven days, 1,500 people crossed the channel. How many of them would he expect to have been deterred by the measures he describes?

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for his statement, and I thank him particularly for his commitment to resetting our relationship with the European Union. It is regrettable that the deal signed by the Opposition when they were in government did real damage to our economy. Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time for a new relationship and to take practical measures, such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, to increase our alignment with the European Union?

Question

I welcome that the Prime Minister says that there is an appetite for a reset in our relationship with our European neighbours. A core element of collective European security is collective economic security. He knows that being outside the single market and the customs union has cost the UK economy almost £140 billion. How will he remedy this toxic Tory legacy by continuing to refuse even to consider rejoining those economic structures?

Question

The Hexham constituency, as the Prime Minister will know, is home to the Otterburn ranges, which have played a key role in training our armed forces for decades. What steps will the Prime Minister take to improve the working relationship between our armed forces and those of our NATO allies?

Question

The Prime Minister has given us fine words about the importance of our membership of international institutions, particularly international courts. Can he please assure us that he is considering hard consequences for the very obvious flagrant breach of international law that is taking place daily in Gaza and the west bank?

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister’s statement. Does the Prime Minister agree with me and the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme that the only way to stop illegal migration and the subsequent tragic loss of life is by our United Kingdom working more closely with our European neighbours to smash the gangs who run this vile trade?

Question

The last Government spent quite some time engaging with isolationists in Washington. They sought to influence conservative think-tanks in the US that are listened to by Republicans, such as the Heritage Foundation. What more can his Government do to stress to Republicans, and to candidate Trump, that European and American security are indivisible?

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that we need a “NATO first” defence policy in the face of growing Russian aggression, as seen in Ukraine? Will he join me in paying tribute to the Doncaster Ukrainian Centre in my constituency, which has worked tirelessly around the clock to support Ukrainian refugees?

Question

Why do we continue to limit Ukraine’s ability to take the fight to Russia?

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree that the strength and unity of purpose expressed by our international alliances is mirrored and enhanced by the solidarity and friendship that the British people have shown by accommodating Ukrainians in this country? Would he join me in praising the work of the Rugby Ukrainian community?

Question

I congratulate the Prime Minister on the office that he has achieved and thank him for his statement. In all his meetings with both the EU and NATO, was the issue of global war considered—not just the wars in Ukraine and Palestine, but those in Sudan, Congo and Yemen—and the possibility of involving the UN much more in looking towards a more peaceful future?

Question

I congratulate the Prime Minister on a very successful set of meetings last week. Does he agree that the shifting relationship with the European Union led by the previous Government has made us economically poorer, and undermines small businesses such as the toy shop in Horsforth in my constituency?

Question

I congratulate the Prime Minister on his recent meetings and inquire about the timeline for new policies to tackle illegal migration across the channel.

Question

Inquiring about Ukraine's future entry into NATO following President Zelensky's statement regarding the North Atlantic Council.

Question

Asking about advice received and steps taken regarding Hamas infiltration of UNRWA before committing UK funds.

Question

Welcoming the initiative against Russia’s shadow fleet of sanctions-evading ships and asking for updates on international negotiations using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Question

Suggesting talks with the European Union on a youth mobility scheme to improve opportunities for young people.

Question

Welcoming the Government’s commitment to setting out a path towards spending 2.5% of GDP on defence and asking about conversations with NATO allies.

Question

Inquiring about the Government's stance on automatically applying EU rules in Britain without specific agreement by this Parliament.

Question

Praising the Prime Minister's leadership on NATO and recommitment to a two-state solution in the Middle East, asking for sober solutions rather than extreme rhetoric.