Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine: 1,000 Days

19 November 2024 · 24 other contributors

Opened by David Lammy Lab Tottenham

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

David Lammy raised concerns about ukraine: 1,000 days in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Minister states it has been 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
  • Government will provide 3 billion a year in military aid to Ukraine for as long as it is needed.
  • Over 50,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained by the UK to date.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

David Lammy

With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement on Ukraine. It has been 1,000 days since Russia’s full-scale invasion stunned the world—1,000 days in which Ukrainian bravery has inspired the world and 1,000 days of horror and bloodshed that have dismayed the world. This war matters greatly for Britain and the global order. The Government will provide £3 billion a year in military aid this year, next year and every year it is needed. We are training over 50,000 Ukrainian troops to date through Operation Interflex and providing non-military support of at least £250 million this financial year. A new UK-Ukraine digital trade deal will help Ukraine benefit from cheaper and quicker trade, while the World Bank loan guarantees worth $484 million will sustain Ukraine in the fight. We have sanctioned almost 40 vessels, firms that supply Russia’s military industrial complex, cyber-criminals, Russian troops who used chemical weapons on the battlefield, and mercenaries responsible for destabilising Africa. Additionally, we are imposing sanctions on those who forcibly deport Ukrainian children for indoctrination by the Kremlin. We will ensure Ukraine stays strong to restore peace in Europe.

Other contributors (24)
  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that we will continue to provide all the resources we can from our own stocks and work with NATO allies to ensure equivalent equipment is available for Ukraine if we do not progress with specific capabilities ourselves?

    Minister reply

    The minister responded by acknowledging the importance of continuing support for Ukraine, ensuring that we maintain the necessary resources and collaborate with NATO allies. He highlighted the significance of a clear pathway to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030.

  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    Beyond lethal aid, can the Foreign Secretary give an update on his diplomatic activity to further isolate Russia and address the influx of North Korean troops?

    Minister reply

    The minister detailed steps taken to impose sanctions on Russian military equipment suppliers, cyber-criminals, and entities involved in child deportations. He also mentioned continued efforts to engage with allies and review measures within the scope of sanctions.

  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    Will the Foreign Secretary outline the approach that will be taken to engage with the new US Administration more widely, with our allies, to back Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    The minister emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts, including meetings with the US Secretary of State and engagement with international bodies like the EU and UN Security Council. He underscored the need for continued unity among allies in supporting Ukraine.

  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of his statement and, importantly, to the Government for making time to acknowledge and mark this tragic and terrible anniversary. Like so many in this House, I remember the early morning of that dark day in February 2022, 1,000 days ago... The sovereign territory of a European nation has been violated, and as the Foreign Secretary said, we have all watched the horrors unfold over the last 1,000 days.

    Minister reply

    This is my first opportunity to congratulate the right hon. Lady on taking up her post as shadow Foreign Secretary... British support is driving immense innovation in Ukraine, which the Defence Secretary and I have been able to see close up.

  • Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

    Question

    Members of my Committee and I have been meeting large numbers of European friends and neighbours, not just Ukrainians. Last week we met the Foreign Minister from Estonia... We are hearing mounting concern from everyone that the change in leadership in the United States and potential elections in Germany might mean there is a challenge to the united support that we, in the west, have had for Ukraine over the last 1,000 days.

    Minister reply

    I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for her leadership of the Foreign Affairs Committee... I am quite sure that we will continue to stand with Ukraine.

  • Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell

    Question

    The MP thanks the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of the statement and pays tribute to Ukraine's brave people, especially those who fought against Russian invasion. She also highlights community efforts like Surrey Stands with Ukraine that help Ukrainians facing winter shortages. Helen asks about the UK’s stance on long-range missiles and whether it can lead Europe in bolstering support if the US wavers.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy thanks Liberal Democrat Members for their continued support, praising volunteers' efforts across Britain. He assures no wavering from the UK's commitment to Ukraine and discusses his meetings with Foreign Ministers from several European countries who are determined to ensure Ukraine is in a strong position in 2025.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    The MP mourns the deaths of hundreds of thousands due to Putin’s invasion and meets with the Ukrainian ambassador, General Zaluzhnyi. Tan asks about conversations between the Foreign Secretary, Prime Minister, and Secretary of State for Defence regarding lifting restrictions on long-range Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy congratulates his hon. Friend on becoming Chair of the Defence Committee and discusses ongoing support to Ukraine going into winter but declines to provide specifics about operational decisions.

  • Alicia Kearns Con Rutland and Stamford

    Question

    The MP pays tribute to the 3,900 days of Ukrainian bravery under attack. She questions how the Foreign Secretary can ensure that Trump sees Ukraine’s success as a personal victory.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy thanks Alicia for her previous work on the Foreign Affairs Committee and discusses his confidence in strengthening support for Ukraine leading up to January 20, ensuring Ukraine is better positioned.

  • Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East

    Question

    The MP appreciates the joint leadership on supporting Ukraine. He asks if there are British individuals or companies engaged in illegal oil shipment and financing for Putin’s activities, requesting assurance against such involvement.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy assures scrutiny of sanctions against Russia, emphasising that over $400 billion has been deprived from Russia since 2022 due to sanctions. He commits to further action on enablers in the UK supporting Russia's war effort.

  • Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

    Question

    The MP welcomes the statement but pushes for clarity on when Storm Shadow missiles will be used by Ukrainians against Russian targets.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy understands the right hon. Gentleman’s strength of feeling and assures communication discipline regarding such sensitive issues.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Question

    The MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Ukraine, thanks for staunch support. He raises concerns about Moldova facing hybrid threats from Russia and asks if UK's support will remain unstinting.

    Minister reply

    David Lammy assures continued solidarity with Ukraine and mentions his meetings with Foreign Ministers to ensure solid support against Russian hybrid threats.

  • Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

    Question

    Asked about delays in releasing drone technology licences, cooperation with Ukrainian tech advancements, the Russian Federation's ability to strike Ukraine without consequences, and the release of $300 billion-worth of seized Russian assets.

    Minister reply

    Reassured that there is no unnecessary delay in export licensing; acknowledged advanced drone technology enabling precision targeting of Russian attacks; committed to continuing efforts on seized Russian assets.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Question

    Asked for more details on discussions with allies and what the British public can do to support Ukraine.

    Minister reply

    Emphasised that Parliament is speaking with one voice; encouraged efforts to ensure that Ukraine has necessary military and economic support in 2025.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Question

    Asked about actions taken against Russia's black and grey fleets.

    Minister reply

    Announced sanctions on further oil tankers and endorsed action from 46 countries at the European Political Community summit; committed to addressing circumvention of sanctions.

  • Harpreet Uppal Lab Huddersfield

    Question

    Paid tribute to Huddersfield Ukrainian Club supporting families who have fled Ukraine and asked how co-operation with European allies can be strengthened.

    Minister reply

    Participated in the Weimar group meeting; committed to co-ordinated efforts against Russian attacks on energy infrastructure.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    Asked about security guarantees for Ukraine after the war ends.

    Minister reply

    Agreed that a meaningful security guarantee is necessary; reiterated UK's support for Ukraine’s path to NATO membership.

  • Sam Carling Lab North West Cambridgeshire

    Question

    Congratulated Helping Our Ukrainian Friends organisation on raising £300,000 and collecting over 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the volunteer spirit across the country; congratulated those in North West Cambridgeshire.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Question

    Asked about allowing Ukrainians to use long-range missiles.

    Minister reply

    Stressed that the UK is leading on discussions but must be cautious; met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister in New York.

  • Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater

    Question

    Asked about enforcement of sanctions against entities in Hong Kong and release of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea football club.

    Minister reply

    Committed to strengthening sanctions enforcement; will look into credible allegations involving Hong Kong; confirmed that Chelsea FC sale funds remain under review.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Question

    Welcomes the Foreign Secretary's statement on providing £3 billion a year in military aid to Ukraine, expressing concern that Ukraine needs assistance now before a new US Administration takes over.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges and agrees with the point made by the hon. Gentleman about the urgency of providing immediate support to Ukraine.

  • Steve Race Lab Exeter

    Question

    Expresses gratitude towards Exeter and Devon families hosting over 500 Ukrainian refugees and asks what the Government is doing to strengthen European cooperation in supporting Ukraine through winter.

    Minister reply

    Confirms importance of recent meetings with EU Foreign Affairs Council, emphasising UK's commitment to more multilateralism.

  • Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole

    Question

    Thanks residents for hosting Ukrainian refugees and asks for assurances on visa extensions and family reunions.

    Minister reply

    Reassures the hon. Lady by stating that a 100-year partnership with Ukraine is being prepared, ensuring long-term support and safety for those affected.

  • Iqbal Mohamed Ind Dewsbury and Batley

    Question

    Welcomes statement but seeks assurances on compliance of UK military aid with international law and the non-targeting of civilians.

    Minister reply

    Reassures that all actions comply with international humanitarian law, emphasising the commitment to upholding such standards.

Shadow Comment

Priti Patel

I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of his statement and thank the Government for marking this tragic anniversary. The sovereign territory of a European nation has been violated, with Russia’s illegal invasion on February 24, 2022. Since then, Ukraine has bravely defended its territory against all odds. We should be proud that Parliament has stood shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian friends and provided support through various means including weapons supplies, training troops, signing security co-operation agreements, and funding packages. Questions were raised about continuing resources for Ukraine, replenishing stocks, pathways to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030, diplomatic efforts against Russia’s role in the conflict, further isolating Iran and North Korea involvement, as well as engaging with the new US Administration.

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