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Question
What further training does the Minister foresee for Ukrainian troops? What additional support will be provided, and will any of this training now be delivered in-country?
Minister reply
The minister did not provide a direct answer to these questions but emphasised the commitment to continue training Ukrainian troops through Operation Interflex and its multinational partners. He highlighted the significance of such training in bolstering Ukraine's defence capabilities.
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Question
How much of the £186 million from the international fund for Ukraine is contributed by the UK? What is the UK proportion?
Minister reply
The minister did not specify the exact amount or percentage contributed by the UK but highlighted that the UK remains a leading donor with substantial contributions.
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Question
Can the Minister confirm reports of Russian use of blister agent-type chemical weapons in Ukraine?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that there have been intelligence reports indicating limited use by Russia but did not provide further details due to security reasons.
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Question
What steps are being taken to replenish UK war stocks, given the substantial support provided to Ukraine?
Minister reply
The minister did not provide specific details on replenishing UK war stocks but emphasised ongoing work with the Defence Committee and commitment to the Chief of the General Staff's objectives.
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Question
When will the Strategic Defence Review be published, given concerns about delays?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged concerns but did not provide a specific publication date for the Strategic Defence Review.
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Question
The MP thanked the Minister for his statement and raised five specific questions: further training for Ukrainian troops and additional support, details on the UK's share of the £186 million international fund for Ukraine, confirmation of chemical weapon use reports by Russia, replenishment of UK’s war stocks, and the timeline for publishing the strategic defence review.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted that Operation Interflex will be extended until 2025 to suit Ukrainian needs. He also mentioned that he would provide further details on the international fund for Ukraine and its UK share to the Library of the House. Regarding chemical weapons, while not providing specifics due to classification, the provision of respirators was confirmed as important. The Minister stated that a plan exists to replenish war stocks alongside the defence industrial strategy, and emphasised that the strategic defence review will be published in the spring.
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Question
The hon. Member expressed gratitude for advance sight of the statement and welcomed the pledge of a £225 million package of support for Ukraine. He requested further details on discussions with NATO and other allies, particularly the US, including recent talks between the Prime Minister and President-elect Trump.
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted that UK Government will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, laying out a path for this at future fiscal events. He emphasised the importance of the strategic defence review in setting out how money will be spent on capabilities. The Minister also mentioned continuous discussions with NATO allies through the SDR process to ensure interoperability and support for NATO allies.
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Question
Asks about the need for the UK to take a lead within Europe on defence and security, reversing damaging Conservative cuts to our armed forces, seizing frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defences, providing robust financial and humanitarian assistance, and outlining what work the Government are doing to support Ukraine in getting electricity generators and solar panels installed across the country.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises the need for further strengthening of sanctions against Russia and highlights steps being taken by the UK government through legislation on frozen Russian assets. He also mentions additional support provided for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and production, underscoring the importance of supporting Ukraine's resilience not just militarily but in all aspects.
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Question
Asks about progress on joint ventures with Ukrainian defence companies for basing some capability here, for our future security and the security of Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Alex Sobel for his work in support of Ukraine and confirms that the treaty signed with Ukraine enables it to use Defence Equipment and Support as its own procurement agency. This will allow UK industry to work more closely with Ukrainian defence companies, improving technology around drones and autonomy.
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Question
Asks if the Government will ensure that there is absolutely no question of any war aim of Russia’s being achieved, namely taking territory and neutralising Ukraine. He suggests fast-tracking NATO membership.
Minister reply
The Minister assures Edward Leigh about the Government's commitment to support Ukrainians for as long as it takes, including their irreversible path to NATO membership. He adds that gaps in UK position are where Putin will seek to prosper.
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Question
Welcomes the statement and asks if the Minister agrees that cross-party nature of UK support has been a critical feature of our support for Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the cross-party support in this House, expressing gratitude to all parties for continuing to put national security ahead of any partisan desires.
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Question
Welcomes confirmation of Government’s support for Ukraine’s eventual membership of NATO and asks if the UK will take a lead in further integrating Ukraine into the joint expeditionary force.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms discussions around learning lessons by Ukraine having more participation alongside JEF nations, especially from forward-leaning allies.
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Question
Welcomes the statement and urges Europe to stand together in supporting Ukraine amidst potential changes in America’s policy.
Minister reply
The Minister assures Clive Efford that there will be no change in UK support for Ukraine, highlighting the Government's commitment to deterrence and supporting Ukrainian resilience.
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Question
Asks about how the Minister is working with European colleagues to enhance automobile industry component parts’ repurposing into drone production for the war in Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks Steve Darling and emphasises the need for continued iteration and evolution of support for Ukraine, including enhancements in drone technology through close collaboration with European partners.
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Question
Commends the Minister for funding announcements and inquires about updates on the proceeds of Chelsea football club's sale.
Minister reply
The Government are working to ensure that funds from Chelsea FC sales reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible. They are currently frozen until a new foundation is established.
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Question
Welcomes funding for Ukraine and asks about NATO discussions during political instability, including joint ventures to support Ukraine's industrial base.
Minister reply
The UK is pushing forward on efforts to coordinate more NATO activity. The Government are supporting the development of technologies in Ukraine.
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Question
Welcomes the Minister's statement and pays tribute to communities across the UK who have supported Ukrainian refugees.
Minister reply
The Minister thanks all those families supporting the Homes for Ukraine scheme. He mentions that as of 16 December, 218,600 Ukrainians have arrived in the UK.
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Question
Discusses the importance of engaging positively with President Trump post-election to leverage change.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises working closely with NATO allies, including the US. He argues that Putin's decision could end the war.
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Question
Welcomes British military support for Ukraine and highlights the importance of supporting President Zelensky and Ukrainian people.
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that the decision on Ukraine's future is for the Ukrainian Government. He emphasises cross-party support in the House.
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Question
Inquires about discussions with EU counterparts regarding frozen assets and sanctions, particularly focusing on Chinese components for Russian drones.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing Treasury discussions with European friends. He is concerned but committed to strengthening sanctions against Iran.
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Question
Welcomes the Minister’s statement on support for Ukraine. Questions the assessment of North Korean troops in Kursk and asks about the national interest in continuing to support Ukraine.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the concerns about North Korean troops but reiterates that Putin's continued aggression would threaten NATO allies and extend malign influence, reinforcing Britain's cross-party unity in supporting Ukraine.
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Question
Asks how the Strategic Defence Review will adapt to changes in warfare due to the use of drones and other technological advancements.
Minister reply
Emphasises that modern warfare has evolved significantly, with gaming skills being applied to drone operations. The SDR aims to incorporate lessons from Ukraine and worldwide experiences, focusing on a greater role for drones and training around modern warfare.
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Question
Queries the steps taken by the Government to support the Ukrainian legal system in prosecuting Russian war criminals.
Minister reply
Acknowledges ongoing efforts including military, economic, and legal support. Supports international efforts to prosecute Putin and others responsible for crimes against Ukrainians.
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Question
Asks whether UK forces will see direct action in Ukraine or remain limited to training and provision roles.
Minister reply
Confirms no intention of providing UK troops for combat roles but continues support through training and military equipment. Training operations will continue next year to adapt to changing needs.
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Question
Asks about the Government's commitment to continuing economic sanctions alongside military pressure.
Minister reply
Reiterates the importance of using all levers, including economic measures, to put pressure on Putin. Sanctions are regularly updated to expand their scope and further pressurise the Russian economy.