Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

UK-Ukraine 100-year Partnership 2025-01-20

20 January 2025 · 27 other contributors

Opened by The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Mr 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

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Mr David Lammy raised concerns about uk-ukraine 100-year partnership 2025-01-20 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Prime Minister announces the signing of a historic 100-year partnership with Ukraine
  • The partnership includes a legally binding treaty and political agreement covering nine pillars
  • Key areas of cooperation include maritime security, air defence, energy sector collaboration, and healthcare support

How the debate unfolded

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

Government Statement

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Mr David Lammy

Today I announce the signing of a historic 100-year partnership with Ukraine by the Prime Minister. This partnership includes a legally binding treaty and political agreement covering nine pillars such as maritime security, air defence, energy sector collaboration, and healthcare support. It strengthens UK-Ukraine relations through joint exercises between Royal Navy and Ukrainian navy, supply of BAE Systems' Gravehawk missile systems, and cementing UK's position in Ukraine’s renewable and green steel sectors. The partnership reflects the unity across parties in supporting Ukraine since Putin’s invasion, with over £600 million in humanitarian and fiscal support announced by Mr Lammy, and a further commitment to provide at least £3 billion a year in military aid as needed. This partnership aims to put Ukraine in a strong position to achieve just peace while undermining Putin's objectives.

Other contributors (27)
  • Wendy Morton

    Question

    The shadow minister seeks more details on maritime security timelines, NATO ally progress, defence spending, economic investment levels, and measures to isolate Putin and Russia, including sanctions against North Korean troops.

    Minister reply

    The Foreign Secretary acknowledges the partnership's commitments but does not provide specific updates on timelines or additional steps in these areas.

  • Alex Sobel MP Lab/Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Question

    What work will be done to remove insurance barriers and trade barriers for UK-Ukrainian joint ventures?

    Minister reply

    Active conversations are ongoing on this issue, and efforts are being made through procurement changes to assist trade despite the complexity of the situation.

  • Calum Miller MP LD Bicester and Woodstock

    Question

    What initial contact has the Foreign Secretary had with the incoming US Administration about Ukraine? What assurance can be given that the US will stay committed to supporting Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    We welcome bipartisan support from the United States after significant lobbying. The UK shoulders a significant portion of aid to Ukraine, including over half of all military aid. We have provided £2.26 billion in additional support and will continue to work with European allies like NATO's Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) for security.

  • Tulip Siddiq MP Lab Hampstead and Highgate

    Question

    What is being done to ensure refugees retain cultural links with their home country?

    Minister reply

    Under pillar 9 of the partnership, we are working with the Premier League and British Council to help young people in Ukraine develop skills and education. We aim to promote the power of both English and Ukrainian languages.

  • James Cleverly MP Con Braintree

    Question

    What can be done now to make it easier for British businesses to invest in rebuilding Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    We are committed to assisting the rebuilding process and will continue to support de-risking initiatives for potential investors. The goal is to facilitate economic recovery once Russia is expelled from Ukrainian territory.

  • Phil Brickell Lab Bolton West

    Question

    Will the Foreign Secretary update the House about what discussions he has had with international counterparts on seizing and repurposing Russian state sanctions worth £300 billion held in G7 countries to finance Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    The subject remains under active discussion with our colleagues, particularly in Europe. There are differences of opinion about the lawfulness and legality of doing this, but discussions continue actively.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Question

    In lieu of NATO membership, what security guarantees might the UK seek to develop for Ukraine with European allies?

    Minister reply

    We will work on security guarantees as we do not see Putin ready to halt his aggression. Just as this country has stood by Ukraine throughout, and provided very important intelligence in the run-up to this war, we will recognise our part in working with others.

  • Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central

    Question

    Can we reassure Ukrainians in the UK that they will continue to have our support for the duration of the war and potentially afterwards?

    Minister reply

    I reassure Ukrainians in the strongest terms that the UK will stand with them long after none of us are in this Chamber, recognising that war strikes indelible bonds between nations.

  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Question

    What can be done to reassure Ukrainians in the UK who have built lives here about their safety and security for not just the future but the immediate future?

    Minister reply

    None of us knows when the war will complete, but communities across constituencies recognise that many Ukrainians want to return home. However, a lot of de-mining may be required before they can do so safely.

  • Steve Race Lab Exeter

    Question

    Will the UK continue to keep up the pace and pressure of sanctions on Russia and strengthen them where necessary?

    Minister reply

    I have been very proud of leading work on sanctions since coming to office. The UK now has the strongest sanctions package against Russia anywhere in the world, with more to come.

  • Alec Shelbrooke Con Wetherby and Easingwold

    Question

    What extra efforts will the UK Government make in assisting the Ukrainian Government to crack down on corruption?

    Minister reply

    The Minister for Europe met officials from Ukraine on the issue of anti-corruption. The work must continue to break the corruption, a lot of it a legacy of the Soviet Union.

  • Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar

    Question

    What further action can the UK Government take to tackle the role of the Russian shadow fleet in the conflict?

    Minister reply

    Third countries are still facilitating the Russian shadow fleet because of illicit oil. These are conversations we continue with our European partners.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Question

    Is Ukraine as happy as he is to see Donald Trump back in power, given his previous stance on the war?

    Minister reply

    I encourage him to meet Donald Trump and make up his own mind. President Zelensky welcomed Donald Trump's approach of 'peace through strength'.

  • Johanna Baxter Lab Paisley and Renfrewshire South

    Question

    Does my right hon. Friend agree that the new grain verification scheme is an important UK contribution to global food security?

    Minister reply

    My hon. Friend is exactly right. The work continues to ensure that those grain supplies are able to leave Ukraine and not be sabotaged.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Question

    What assessment have the Government made of what President Trump is likely to do and how they will respond?

    Minister reply

    When I met Donald Trump, my sense was that he did understand acutely the importance of this war. Putin shows no sign whatsoever of wanting to negotiate, so we must continue to support Ukraine as strongly as we can.

  • Richard Tice Reform Boston and Skegness

    Question

    Will the Foreign Secretary give additional reassurance to the British people that we are committed to recovering frozen assets of the Russian state in due course?

    Minister reply

    The partnership sets up something similar for the next 100 years, with close discussion across the European family on how to better use those Russian assets.

  • Mark Sewards Lab Leeds South West and Morley

    Question

    How long will it take for pillar 4's work to come into effect and for both countries to benefit from the UK-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement?

    Minister reply

    The Prime Minister has announced £40 million for a new economic recovery programme, which will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine.

  • Gavin Williamson Con Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge

    Question

    Is the Foreign Secretary thinking of opening up discussions about an enhanced forward presence to underpin Ukraine's security?

    Minister reply

    The discussion is a matter of intense focus with allies agreeing that Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO over time, though guarantees will be necessary as it progresses.

  • Joe Powell Lab Kensington and Bayswater

    Question

    How does the Secretary of State plan to persuade allies and counterparts to clamp down on sanctions evasion?

    Minister reply

    This is a subject we have raised particularly with the overseas territories, as well as with both Indians and Turks.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Does the Foreign Secretary have any concerns about EU countries or the American Administration's impact on undermining support for Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    The commitment to defence spending remains high, and it is important to stand by Ukraine to avoid increases in military expenses.

  • Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

    Question

    How will the UK defence and tech sectors support Ukrainian counterparts under the new partnership?

    Minister reply

    Prior to the war, there was immense expertise in tech and IT in Ukraine, which has changed the nature of warfare with extraordinary innovations.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Question

    To what extent does pillar 2.3 act as a NATO article 5 commitment?

    Minister reply

    This is not an article 5 commitment, but rather a continuation of military support for Ukraine.

  • Mike Martin LD Tunbridge Wells

    Question

    When will the Government be able to report back on seizing Russian assets?

    Minister reply

    This is a sensitive time with ongoing conversations and further funds needed, especially through the G7 $50 billion loan.

  • Robin Swann UUP South Antrim

    Question

    What is the Government's response to reports of North Korean troops being deployed in Ukraine?

    Minister reply

    This is a dangerous development with troops reportedly used in Kursk, and we will use all necessary means to address it.

  • Shockat Adam Ind Leicester South

    Question

    Will Ukrainians who have assimilated into the UK be given the right to remain when the war ends?

    Minister reply

    The Home Secretary will determine this at an appropriate time, but we recognise the huge contribution these families are making.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Do we still intend to send £3 billion annual military assistance until 2031 whether the war is being fought or not?

    Minister reply

    Our commitment remains for that £3 billion for as long as it takes, underlining cross-party support in the House and among the British people.

Shadow Comment

Wendy Morton (Aldridge-Brownhills) Conservative

The shadow minister joins the Foreign Secretary in welcoming Emily Damari’s release and acknowledges UK’s steadfast support for Ukraine since 2014. She highlights previous government contributions of £12.8 billion, including £7.8 billion in military aid. The partnership enshrines a long-standing relationship but she seeks more details on maritime security timelines, NATO ally progress, defence spending, economic investment levels, and measures to isolate Putin and Russia, including sanctions against North Korean troops.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy