House of Commons · Urgent Question
13 February 2025 · 30 other contributors
Opened by James Cartlidge Con South Suffolk
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
James Cartlidge raised concerns about ukraine 2025-02-13 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the commitments made by NATO nations to support Ukraine, especially in light of recent discussions about peace negotiations? Does she agree that any negotiations must include direct involvement from Ukraine and that justice for war crimes committed during the invasion should be prioritised?
Question
What are the Government doing to ensure justice is served, particularly in terms of pursuing those responsible for war crimes during the invasion?
Minister reply
We have always said that this has to be a just peace and we will pursue those who have committed war crimes.
Question
Does the Minister agree that the US’s actions are a betrayal of our Ukrainian friends, considering the ongoing conflict? Will the Government step up and show British leadership by passing urgent legislation to seize frozen Russian assets?
Minister reply
I do not accept what the hon. Gentleman says about being betrayed by our allies. The US Defence Secretary has made it clear that he wants a durable peace.
Question
Does she agree that working alongside our allies is essential to bring about an end to the war? Is the annual £3 billion pledge continuing?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. It is clear that any such negotiations must involve Ukraine, and that the Ukrainians must be happy with the peace that is negotiated.
Question
Does she agree that in this new world, the UK and its European allies must lead in providing Ukraine with military support to give it confidence that any peace will endure?
Minister reply
Certainly over the last period, the EU and European nations have given the majority of military aid and support. We aim to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to enable it to negotiate.
Question
Does she agree that standing firm against aggression is essential, particularly in deterring other nations from taking land through force?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is correct. It is important that we deter such behaviour wherever it is seen around the world.
Question
What conversations are being had with partners in Europe and the high north to ensure support for forces in those regions?
Minister reply
The Government have ongoing discussions with our partners in Europe and the high north.
Question
Does she agree that this announcement should not affect support for Ukraine, and will she work to do everything possible to support Ukrainian forces?
Minister reply
We reaffirm our commitment to supporting Ukraine.
Question
Will the Government impress on President Trump at every possible opportunity that appeasement in Europe leads to war, and does it guarantee security for Ukraine?
Minister reply
The US Secretary of Defence has made clear the importance of deterrence globally. We agree that the strategic defence review must identify current threats and we are committed to increasing defence spending as outlined.
Question
How will the new £150 million package boost Ukrainian resilience and the UK defence sector?
Minister reply
This funding boosts Ukraine's military strength and supports our domestic defence industries, enabling us to produce more advanced weaponry and strengthen deterrence.
Question
Is the strategic defence review considering current threats rather than pre-war threats? Does it require a fundamental reset of UK relations with European partners?
Minister reply
The review focuses on present-day challenges. We are committed to increasing defence spending as per our 2.5% commitment, which will be detailed in the upcoming spring SDR.
Question
How important is it to continue supporting UK companies involved in supplying military equipment to Ukraine?
Minister reply
Supporting our defence industries is crucial for strengthening the UK's own security as well as aiding Ukraine, which I have emphasised during my visits to constituencies with strong defence bases.
Question
What must be the benchmark of success for the strategic defence review in terms of readiness to fight a war with Russia?
Minister reply
Increasing defence spending is necessary but it should be done wisely. The review will address current threats, ensuring we are well-prepared.
Question
Have the Government had discussions with Ukrainian counterparts regarding recent developments? If not, do they plan to soon?
Minister reply
While I have not spoken directly since yesterday, my counterpart has been in frequent contact. Ongoing discussions are crucial.
Question
Given recent developments, how will the Government build closer partnerships with European allies to defend Ukraine's territorial integrity?
Minister reply
The US Defence Secretary has emphasised durable peace and respect for Ukrainian sovereignty. We support these principles and continue to involve Ukraine in all negotiations.
Question
Will the Government work with NATO allies to establish a clear roadmap for Ukraine’s eventual membership, ensuring long-term deterrence against Russian aggression?
Minister reply
Ukraine is on an irreversible path to NATO membership. However, we recognise that this process will take time and must involve full Ukrainian consent.
Question
Why should Ukraine trust Putin's promises without concrete security guarantees given his breach of the Budapest memorandum?
Minister reply
Security guarantees are crucial. The US Defence Secretary and we support this, insisting on Ukrainian involvement in any negotiations for a durable peace.
Question
Can the UK Government assure that Ukraine's destiny is determined by its people alone, not President Trump or Putin?
Minister reply
We have stated that Ukrainian involvement in negotiations is essential for any peace to be durable and acceptable to all parties.
Question
Is the UK Government making clear to President Trump that Ukraine has defended itself from invasion, bombing, rape, murder, and occupation?
Minister reply
Our long-term commitment to Ukraine's security is unwavering. We support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and will continue to do so during any negotiations.
Question
Does the Government agree that any settlement must not repeat past failures like the Budapest memorandum or Minsk agreements?
Minister reply
Agreement on a durable peace with security guarantees is critical. Past experiences highlight the need for strong assurances.
Question
What measures are being taken to deter nations supporting Russia through military aid or dual-use products?
Minister reply
Sanctions are in place and we actively work to enforce them. These efforts aim to reduce Russia's ability to sustain its war effort.
Question
How can the Government ensure Ukraine is at a strong negotiating position when this war ends?
Minister reply
Continued support for Ukraine's military strength during ongoing conflict and negotiations will help it secure a favorable outcome.
Question
Given Putin’s illegal invasion and declared intent, do the Government agree that any negotiations must result in a sovereign Ukraine, and that the UK will play its part in providing security guarantees that are meaningful?
Minister reply
The hon. Member is right that security guarantees are likely to be an important part of any peace agreement given the past history. We have a 100-year partnership with Ukraine. We have supported the Ukrainians through the toughest times of this war with arms and other necessary support, and we will continue to do so.
Question
How will the Government ensure that Ukraine’s voice is heard loud and clear in any peace talks, and that no European countries may potentially or ultimately be bullied by US President Trump?
Minister reply
I agree very much with the hon. Lady when she says that our Ukrainian friends here in this nation have received a lot of support—not only in her constituency, but across the UK—from their friends and neighbours, and that that will continue. We have a 100-year partnership with Ukraine.
Question
Does she agree that we must not convey the idea in the coming weeks that we have in any way let them or their countrymen down given the huge efforts of the Ukrainian diaspora?
Minister reply
I do agree with that, and we have no intention—I think in any part of this House—of doing so.
Question
Does she agree that any signs of negotiation are to be welcomed but that there can be no doubt that Ukraine retains the support of this House? What role will the UK have in ensuring security from further Russian aggression?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise these concerns. It is clear that any peace that is negotiated, which must have the consent of the Ukrainians themselves, has to be durable, and to the extent that that requires security guarantees, those have to be present for it to work.
Question
Will the SDR consider the unlocked back door that is Ireland, which sits outwith NATO? What can we do to encourage Ireland to play a full role in what will be a confrontation with Russia?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right that we need to prepare. The strategic defence review will set out the threats that we face and we will then turn our attention to making sure we obtain the capabilities to deal with them.
Question
Was the British Government consulted on or told about President Trump’s call with Vladimir Putin beforehand?
Minister reply
I am afraid it is above my pay grade to know the answer to that question, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman will have an opportunity to ask those whose pay grade it is not above at another questions session.
Question
What practical help are the Government providing to Ukraine’s legal system and judges to ensure the prosecution of war crimes?
Minister reply
We have a 100-year partnership with Ukraine, which has been signed. That will be supporting it in any way it feels it needs support that we might be able to offer.
Question
Does she wish we were not giving however many billions of pounds it is to Mauritius and that we could invest that money in our defences instead?
Minister reply
We have a commitment to getting our defence spending back to 2.5% of GDP, and the last time it was at that level was at the time of the last Labour Government.
Government Response
Yesterday, at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group chaired by the Defence Secretary, almost 50 nations and partners stood together to support Ukraine. The group confirmed continued commitment to Ukraine's pursuit of a durable peace, with $40 billion pledged in military aid for 2024 from NATO allies, including European nations providing €50 billion. The UK is committed to spending £4.5 billion on military support for Ukraine this year and has provided over 500,000 artillery shells worth over £1.5 billion since the start of the conflict. We reaffirm that any negotiations must include direct involvement from Ukraine and justice for war crimes.