House of Commons · Urgent Question
24 April 2025 · 24 other contributors
Opened by Priti Patel Con Witham
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Priti Patel raised concerns about ukraine war london talks 2025-04-24 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 outcomes and details of the talks held yesterday in London regarding the war in Ukraine? The MP is concerned about the progress made towards a peaceful resolution and the status of security guarantees for Ukraine, as well as the UK's position on key issues such as Crimea.
Question
For all the talks taking place, it is concerning that a clear and unified front in support of Ukraine has yet to emerge. Will the Minister tell us exactly what was productive and successful about the talks, what those next steps are, whether Ukraine is in agreement, if security guarantees were discussed, and what the UK's position on Crimea is?
Minister reply
I agree completely with the right hon. Lady’s point about sanctions against Members of this House, which I utterly condemn. We will maintain the pressure at every level, including ramping up sanctions like today's new ones. On Chelsea FC, we are working at pace to meet agreements made on that. The first tranche of the £2.26 billion loan has been disbursed, and further tranches will be paid as agreed.
Question
Does the Minister agree that if Putin is serious about securing peace in Ukraine, he should stop performative sanctioning of democratically elected Members and focus on stopping the killing of civilians?
Minister reply
I utterly condemn the sanctioning of Members, including my hon. Friend. Russia is the aggressor in this conflict with horrific attacks, deaths, and continued aggression.
Question
Overnight, Russia launched missiles at civilian targets in Kyiv; President Trump’s withdrawal of his Secretary of State from the meeting derails efforts for a just peace. Will the Minister clarify to the US counterpart that the ultimatum shared with Zelensky last week is wrong and emboldening future Russian aggression? How will the Government support MPs sanctioned by the Kremlin?
Minister reply
While I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s party’s continued support, I do not recognise his characterisation of the talks, which were productive and constructive with the US involved. The Prime Minister has been in contact with President Trump and the Foreign Secretary with his counterpart.
Question
Will he update the House on the support the Government are offering to Ukrainian communities across the UK at this very difficult time, such as the large Ukrainian community in Reading?
Minister reply
The Minister warmly welcomed Ukrainian communities across the United Kingdom and their strong ties with British communities. He praised the 100-year partnership agreement signed between the two nations.
Question
Will my hon. Friend outline whether the issue of the stolen children was discussed yesterday? Does he support the campaign to return the stolen children?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the issue of the stolen children is a personal priority for him and the Foreign Secretary, discussing it with Ukrainian officials and representatives of different campaigns on the matter.
Question
Will the Minister update the House on the progress made in moving from freezing to seizing Russian assets to strengthen the hand of our brave Ukrainian allies?
Minister reply
The Minister condemned sanctions against colleagues, stating that Russia must pay for its damage in Ukraine. He highlighted ongoing discussions with G7 counterparts about considering all possible lawful avenues for making Russia pay.
Question
Will he say a little more about how he is working across Government Departments to support the efforts of civil society and businesses in the UK to ensure that, at every level, we offer the greatest support possible to Ukrainians?
Minister reply
The Minister pointed out the importance of strengthening twinning arrangements between cities and communities across the UK, meeting Ukrainian civil society organisations in Kyiv and regularly here in the UK.
Question
How will we invest in our strength to stop Putin and keep ourselves safe?
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised the importance of a strong NATO, armed forces, and nation to counteract threats like those posed by Russia.
Question
Why is President Trump treating Ukraine as the aggressor? Will the Minister remind US negotiators that—together with the United Kingdom—the USA signed the Budapest memorandum, assuring Ukraine of its territorial integrity and independence?
Minister reply
The UK Government shares President Trump’s desire to bring this barbaric war to an end. The UK is working closely with the US and other international partners to secure a just and lasting peace. It is clear that Russia and Vladimir Putin are responsible for the ongoing killing and aggression.
Question
Does the Minister agree that last night’s brutal attack on Kyiv is a timely reminder to Governments around the world that Russia is and always has been the aggressor in this conflict?
Minister reply
The UK Government is absolutely unequivocal that Russia and Vladimir Putin are responsible for this war, and they remain undiminished. The UK stands iron-clad behind Ukraine.
Question
What practical steps the Government are taking to address the issue of Ukrainian children who have been stolen by Putin’s regime?
Minister reply
The Minister has discussed this important issue with the Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine and is exploring further ways in which the UK can assist. The Minister is working closely with organisations involved in this issue.
Question
Can the Minister confirm that all international allies understand that for a peace to be lasting, it has to be just?
Minister reply
The UK Government is clear that justice must come alongside sustainability and Ukraine’s ability to deter future aggression. The UK supports action on justice for crimes committed in Ukraine.
Question
Will the Minister undertake to review with the fire service Minister what extra provision we can provide for firefighting equipment and training?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of the issue and will look into it further, considering additional support in cooperation with other international partners if necessary.
Question
Can the Minister assure us that he believes the United States still believes in Ukraine’s territorial integrity?
Minister reply
The UK Government is clear that it shares the US’ desire to bring this barbaric war to an end. The future of Ukraine remains for Ukraine to decide, and the UK continues to work closely with Ukraine and its international partners.
Question
Will the Government support any US proposal that sees Russia make territorial gains at the expense of Ukraine upon a permanent cessation of hostilities?
Minister reply
The Minister will not be drawn on specific details of discussions. The UK remains clear that it supports Ukraine's right to decide its own future, and the aggressor in this situation is Russia.
Question
Can the Minister ensure that our resolve in this House is heard by both the Kremlin and White House?
Minister reply
The voices in this House are indeed heard across the world. The UK's position on Russia’s aggression has strengthened NATO unity, increased defence spending, and reinforced international support for Ukraine.
Question
Did the Government discuss with allies at London talks the deployment of Chinese People’s Liberation Army in support of Russia against Ukraine?
Minister reply
The Minister is not getting into details but confirms that robust action has been taken against third-country support for Russia's illegal war. The UK engages closely on this issue and will continue to take necessary actions.
Question
Could the Minister outline how the UK Government is advancing nuclear technology in partnership with Ukraine, a market currently dominated by Russia?
Minister reply
The Minister highlighted the commitment to strengthen energy partnerships with Ukraine. The development of advanced nuclear fuels facilities is crucial for Europe's energy independence and reducing dependence on Russian dominance.
Question
Did yesterday’s meeting involve discussion of potential future co-operation between the US and Russia on energy?
Minister reply
I cannot provide specifics about discussions, but I can confirm that we are clear in our position to support Ukraine and do not entertain any form of arrangement that would undermine this stance.
Question
How can the Minister describe yesterday’s talks as productive if they include unreasonable demands on Ukraine?
Minister reply
I maintain that our discussions were both productive and constructive, reflecting a commitment to supporting Ukraine's position.
Question
Is the US Administration considering lifting sanctions on Nord Stream? What will be the UK’s response?
Minister reply
The Prime Minister remains committed to maintaining Russia sanctions, emphasising their role in pressuring Russia for peace. Any suggestion of lifting sanctions is viewed negatively by the UK.
Question
What measures are being taken to prevent Russia from bypassing sanctions through its shadow fleet?
Minister reply
Since coming into office, we have intensified efforts on the issue of the shadow fleet. Sanctions impact has been substantial, preventing $450 billion worth of support for Russia’s war effort.
Question
What discussions are happening with Ukraine and US allies to ensure that Russian aggression is not rewarded?
Minister reply
Our position remains strong in supporting Ukraine until a fair peace deal is reached. We will continue working closely with Ukraine, the US and European allies to maintain this stance.
Government Response
I thank the right hon. Lady for her question and for the Opposition’s continued support for the united position that we take in our iron-clad support for Ukraine. We remain fully committed to working with Ukraine and our international partners to secure a just and lasting peace. Representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States convened in London yesterday, following up on the meeting in Paris last week. All parties reiterated their strong support for President Trump’s commitment to stopping the killing and achieving a just and lasting peace. The talks were productive and successful, with significant progress made on reaching a common position on next steps. The Foreign Secretary had bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Sybiha. To give further details of the discussions would only benefit Putin. We condemn Russia’s brutal missile and drone attacks on civilians, including overnight, and we will not stop in our efforts to work with all parties for a ceasefire.