Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Ukraine

03 December 2024 · 18 other contributors

Opened by Catherine West Lab Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

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

Key points

  • The UK pledges 3 billion annually in military aid to Ukraine.
  • The UK announced an additional 2.26 billion towards a $50 billion G7 loan.
  • The UK has sanctioned over 2,100 individuals and entities since February 2024.

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

Catherine West

The UK’s commitment to support Ukraine against Russian aggression is unwavering, with a pledge of £3 billion annually in military aid for as long as necessary. In October, the Government announced an additional £2.26 billion towards a $50 billion G7 loan, designed to bolster Ukraine's military spending. The UK has sanctioned over 2,100 individuals and entities since February 2024, resulting in Russia losing more than $400 billion due to sanctions. This support is driven by the understanding that a Russian victory would undermine Western standing, destabilize Europe, and embolden autocrats. With 1,000 days of invasion having passed, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced or forced into exile, emphasising the need for continued support until Ukraine prevails.

Other contributors (18)
  • Priti Patel Con Witham

    Question

    The shadow minister seeks clarity on recent statements from the Prime Minister regarding negotiations with Russia. The change in language is noted as potentially new and contradictory to previous positions. Questions are raised about NATO’s unified stance on Ukraine's membership and the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, especially amid increased winter attacks by Russian forces.

    Minister reply

    There is no change in UK policy; support for Ukraine remains firm until a just peace is achieved on Ukraine's terms. The UK fully supports Ukraine's path to NATO membership as agreed at the Washington meeting.

  • Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury

    Question

    While Europeans support the war with minimal costs, Russia spends heavily on its war effort, cutting social spending. Does my hon. Friend agree that we must remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    The UK remains steadfast in supporting Ukraine, as evidenced by the Foreign Secretary’s statements and the presence of Ukrainian families in her constituency.

  • Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell

    Question

    With concern over recent attacks on Ukraine's energy networks, does the Minister agree that we must stand firm? The UK-EU relationship needs repair for united support. Will the Minister commit to working with allies to mobilise frozen Russian assets beyond interest payments?

    Minister reply

    The UK has provided £370 million towards Ukrainian energy security and resilience, including funds for infrastructure repair. We are also focused on ensuring that sanctioned Russian assets directly benefit Ukrainians.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Question

    I agree with the Prime Minister’s comments about a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Following the election of President Trump, what discussions have the Government had with international partners regarding the impact on Ukraine, especially given reports from Kursk in Russia?

    Minister reply

    We are watching closely the situation in Kursk and are concerned by additional forces from North Korea estimated at around 10,000. We remain firm in our support for Ukraine and will use diplomatic tools to speak to friends in the UK and US who have great friendships with Ukraine.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Question

    Does the Minister accept that Putin has made it clear that he wants Ukraine’s independence to cease, and therefore any treaty signed by him is worthless?

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point about the psychology of this conflict. We remain firm in our support for Ukraine and will continue to work closely with all partners.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central

    Question

    How can the Minister speed up export control licences for military technology projects, such as the Black Arrow project, which have been stuck since May this year?

    Minister reply

    I will write to the hon. Member with details of exactly where the project is at so that he can give reassurance to his many followers in Ukraine.

  • Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole

    Question

    How concerned should we be about Russia flexing its muscles, such as a Russian submarine sailing between Japanese islands and close to Taiwan? Will the UK step up support for Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    We are working closely with the EU on these issues. We will continue to work together on Navy assets, training of forces on the ground, air defence.

  • Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South

    Question

    How does the Government intend to strengthen co-operation with the EU on security challenges?

    Minister reply

    The UK has a leadership position in this regard. We are developing collaboration with Germany and other European partners.

  • Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that the territorial integrity of Ukraine is set in international law?

    Minister reply

    The key words are ‘respecting borders’. We will support Ukraine on its vision of its own borders, strength and sovereignty.

  • Fred Thomas Lab Plymouth Moor View

    Question

    Does the Minister agree that Russia wants a bigger war? What is the best way to prevent it?

    Minister reply

    I am committed to working closely with international friends and allies on all treaties and pressure we can bring to bear, so that we can achieve a lasting peace together.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton

    Question

    Can the Minister speak to her counterparts in Health and Social Care to release expired medical items for Medics4Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    I refer to the discussion on medical assistance in conflict. I will look into what is possible and write to him with what we are already doing in relation to Ukraine.

  • Jonathan Davies Lab Mid Derbyshire

    Question

    If Ukraine falls, people in Africa will starve due to the importance of grain from Ukraine. What can be done?

    Minister reply

    We watched with concern as the Black sea grain negotiations occurred two summers ago. We must redouble our efforts to stop this happening.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Does the Minister think it unwise to start talking of negotiations about land and so on, which will only encourage Putin? Should we not increase resolve of partners and seize Russian assets?

    Minister reply

    There is no change in UK position; we have always said that we will support Ukraine to achieve a just peace on its own terms.

  • Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth

    Question

    The Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee inquired about additional pressure that could be placed on Russia, asking if there are plans to introduce a sanctions Bill.

    Minister reply

    The Minister emphasised that the UK has imposed measures on over 2,100 individuals and entities, noting it is the most wide-ranging sanctions ever against a major economy. She highlighted the recent imposition of sanctions against 69 vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet transporting Russian oil outside G7 sanctions.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    The MP asked about discussions with NATO allies to ensure that Ukraine's territorial integrity is upheld under Article 5 and requested a commitment to discussing the issue with current and incoming US Secretaries of State.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirmed that Ukraine’s place in NATO is supported by the UK, as allies agreed at the Washington summit that Ukraine is on an irreversible path towards full Euro-Atlantic integration. She also noted that her interlocutor plays a role due to his influence with US counterparts.

  • Jacob Collier Lab Burton and Uttoxeter

    Question

    The MP sought clarification regarding work being done by the UK to counter threats from an alliance between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

    Minister reply

    The Minister explained that it is from a position of weakness that these countries rely on each other for support. She highlighted the importance of a holistic sanctions regime addressing not just the current conflict but also issues like Iran’s military activities and DPRK’s economy.

  • Mark Sewards Lab Leeds South West and Morley

    Question

    The MP sought confirmation on continued backing for Ukraine, stating that no one in the House agrees with Vladimir Putin's territorial ambitions.

    Minister reply

    The Minister confirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and its requests for military or non-military aid. She emphasised implores allies globally to assist in standing up to bullies.

Shadow Comment

Priti Patel

The shadow minister seeks clarity on recent statements from the Prime Minister regarding negotiations with Russia. The change in language is noted as potentially new and contradictory to previous positions. Questions are raised about NATO’s unified stance on Ukraine's membership and the protection of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, especially amid increased winter attacks by Russian forces.

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