-
Question
Can the Secretary of State outline to what degree that has been achieved and what support the Government have provided to assist?
Minister reply
The British Council in Kyiv continues operations wherever possible, as promised by its chief executive. The Government condemn the attack on the British Council and provide necessary support.
-
Question
Can he confirm whether the timeline is directly linked to US action?
Minister reply
The UK will proceed with plans for tougher sanctions regardless of US actions.
-
Question
What further detail is he able to share on the likely shape of any such US security guarantees?
Minister reply
Details on the likely shape of any such US security guarantees will be provided by the Foreign Secretary soon.
-
Question
Does that mean that the Army would be sent to Ukraine only in a training role?
Minister reply
The coalition of the willing aims to secure the skies and seas, with no immediate plans for a land force deployment beyond a training role.
-
Question
Does he expect that funding to come from the Treasury reserve or the existing MOD budget?
Minister reply
Funding will be reviewed and accelerated as necessary, coming from either the Treasury reserve or the existing MOD budget.
-
Question
On reviewing readiness, what is the timescale of the review? Is it yet at the stage where urgent operational requirements are being considered?
Minister reply
Readiness levels are currently under review with funding acceleration. Urgent operational requirements may be considered if necessary.
-
Question
In light of recent Russian attacks in Ukraine, can the Secretary of State shed further light on what levers have been pulled to help enable a peaceful outcome?
Minister reply
Peace is secured through strength. We are stepping up military support for Ukraine and increasing economic pressure on Putin. The Government is committed to securing peace if negotiations lead to a ceasefire and agreement. Admiral Radakin has received kind comments from both sides of the House.
-
Question
Can the Secretary of State update on progress made in seizing Russian assets across the G7 and provide details on how these funds could support Ukraine’s defence?
Minister reply
The UK leads in sanctioning vessels as part of the shadow fleet. Progress on using seized assets is being discussed with allies, and the Foreign Secretary will soon announce further measures to increase economic pressure.
-
Question
Will the Secretary of State give an update on lessons learned from Ukrainian innovation in combat?
Minister reply
Ukrainians' courage and innovation inspire our forces. The strategic defence review highlights the need for radical transformation, which will be reflected in upcoming publications such as the defence industrial strategy.
-
Question
My West Dunbartonshire constituents know the importance of standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in this fight. Does the Minister agree that investments such as the £250 million to His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde and the landmark £10 billion deal with Norway—both of which secure thousands of jobs for people on the Clyde, many of whom live in my West Dunbartonshire constituency—all help to show our strength and deter future Russian aggression?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and it is a lesson from Ukraine that we have to take seriously: when a country is faced with conflict or is forced to fight, its armed forces are only as strong as the industry that stands behind them. Part of the significance of the frigate deal with Norway is that this will reinforce our British shipbuilding, our British innovation and our British technology base across the UK and especially in Scotland for many years to come.
-
Question
I ask the Defence Secretary to cast his mind back to March, when I asked the Prime Minister whether it would be folly to put British troops into Ukraine without a US backstop—without a guarantee from the White House—and the Prime Minister agreed that it would indeed be folly. Does that remain the Government’s position?
Minister reply
The Government’s position is that we are discussing the nature of security guarantees and the contribution that we can help lead through the coalition of the willing, alongside any American support, and together that is part of the configuration of making Ukraine strong and creating the circumstances in which serious negotiations, and we hope a peace agreement, can be reached.
-
Question
I warmly thank my right hon. Friend for getting this Norwegian deal over the line. Will he undertake to work with me to ensure that my constituents feel the full benefits of this investment? In that vein, will he urge the SNP Government to finally collaborate with us and to dispense with their ideological block on the defence sector?
Minister reply
First, may I say to my hon. Friend that all of us in the House appreciate the contribution that his constituents, as part of that Govan workforce, make to building the outstanding British ships? The Norwegian Prime Minister had a telling way of explaining the decision on Sunday, when he said that they had weighed two questions: “Who is our most strategic partner? And who has delivered the best frigates?... The answer to both is the United Kingdom.” It is also telling that the nationalist-led Scottish Government are yet to welcome this contract and this success.
-
Question
Does the Defence Secretary agree that it is particularly disappointing that President Trump is unable to give an update on seizing the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets? There is slow progress on that, but it is perhaps our strongest potential lever in exerting pressure on Russia to deliver a just peace.
Minister reply
I do not entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman. The declaration that the President of the United States has made about making the European-led arrangements for security guarantees, in his words, “very secure” is important and significant. Those discussions continue.
-
Question
I want to share with the House the deepest solidarity from the Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian supplementary school in my constituency of Milton Keynes about the recent attacks in Kyiv and on the British Council. Will the Defence Secretary join me in expressing our solidarity to the Ukrainian families in Milton Keynes and across the UK, and those still in Ukraine? Slava Ukraini.
Minister reply
I will indeed express that solidarity, and not just with those Ukrainian families and children; I also pay tribute to the people of Milton Keynes who have opened their homes to house the families of those Ukrainian children. It is often the children and the families who will feel the threat and the grief most fiercely.
-
Question
However, when we talk about meaningful security guarantees, it is perhaps worth remembering that the only reason why, when Germany was divided at the end of the second world war, that was a stable division was that both sides knew that anyone crossing a line would be initiating an international conflict. Surely any security guarantee that does not automatically guarantee the involvement of other states in the defence of Ukraine will not be worth the paper on which it is written.
Minister reply
The purpose of the “coalition of the willing” force that we are leading the work to plan for is about actively securing the Ukrainian skies, actively making the Ukrainian seas safe, and providing a presence that will help to reassure, as well as helping to build up the Ukrainians to deter and defend for themselves.
-
Question
Over the weekend, Russia launched yet more devastating airstrikes on Kyiv, killing 23 people including a two-year-old child. What further steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that Ukraine has the means to defend itself from these heinous crimes?
Minister reply
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the campaigning that she is doing, and not just on Ukraine generally but, in particular, to draw attention to the systematic programme that we have seen from Putin and his troops in abducting Ukrainian children and trying to indoctrinate them into the Russian way of life.
-
Question
When the Secretary of State meets his US counterpart in a couple of weeks, will he make it clear that no chunks of Ukraine are earned by aggressors on the battlefield, and that Ukraine’s territorial integrity is testament regardless of our political allegiance here?
-
Question
Paying tribute to Andriy Parubiy, Alex Sobel raises concerns about the attack on the British Council in Kyiv and the broader implications of Ukraine's fight for Europe’s freedom. He asks for reassurance that Putin’s aggression will not stop at Ukraine if it fails.
Minister reply
John Healey acknowledges the assassination of Andriy Parubiy, highlighting its brutality, and reaffirms the UK's steadfast support for Ukraine against Putin’s aggression.
-
Question
Asking about the current state of negotiations with Russia, Sir John Whittingdale enquires whether additional pressure through sanctions and increased support to Ukraine is being considered.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms that the UK is determined to play its role in supporting Ukraine but recognises that Putin currently shows no signs of interest in a ceasefire.
-
Question
Concerning the financial support and defence partnerships, Mr Luke Charters asks if ideas like launching new joint defence innovation funds could be considered to bolster Ukraine’s defence industrial base.
Minister reply
John Healey agrees with the idea of supporting Ukraine’s defence financing system through joint ventures and industrial partnerships.
-
Question
Emphasising support for the Type 26 frigate deal, Richard Tice urges the Secretary to use leverage over Russia’s frozen central bank assets in negotiations.
Minister reply
John Healey thanks Richard Tice for his support for Ukraine and notes that discussions on Russian assets are ongoing.
-
Question
Stressing the importance of peace for both Ukraine and UK security, Mrs Brackenridge asks about investments in defence to deter Russian aggression.
Minister reply
John Healey agrees that a strong Ukraine is crucial for Europe's future security and highlights increased UK defence spending.
-
Question
Asking about the Budapest memorandum, Sir Desmond Swayne seeks clarification on its relevance in current support efforts.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms that all allies are aware of their co-signatory status but emphasises avoiding past mistakes.
-
Question
Concerned about the resilience of Ukraine’s communication system, Jon Pearce inquires about steps taken to ensure a sovereign and resilient system.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms ongoing efforts across various capabilities where support is required.
-
Question
Discussing financial support for Ukraine, Llinos Medi inquires about discussions on using frozen Russian assets to generate funding.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms ongoing discussions with the EU and allies regarding the use of these assets.
-
Question
Highlighting the destruction of border regions, John Slinger asks for confirmation that all tools are being used to overcome Russian strategy.
Minister reply
John Healey confirms efforts and invites constituents to address areas where support is lacking.
-
Question
Emphasising the need for a national conversation on stepping up efforts, Sir Bernard Jenkin questions if enough support is being given.
Minister reply
John Healey acknowledges the importance of collective leadership with allies to make more impact.
-
Question
Welcomes the deal with Norway that will secure future shipbuilding on the Clyde, including at Ferguson Marine. Mentions a potential value of £10 billion for the deal.
Minister reply
Agrees with the MP and emphasises that the deal will secure 4,000 jobs in the UK, 2,000 of which are based in Scotland.
-
Question
Refers to Admiral Sir Tony Radakin's appearance before the Defence Committee. Asks about NATO's efforts to deter further symbolic attacks like the one on the British Council building in Kyiv.
Minister reply
Responds that the UK will always try to respond to Ukraine’s needs, as they go into next week’s UDCG meeting.
-
Question
Welcomes the statement and asks about steps being taken to increase both the quantity and diversity of air defence systems for Ukraine.
Minister reply
Proudly mentions the Gravehawk system, which demonstrates innovation and collaboration between UK and Ukrainian engineers.
-
Question
Asks about the Scottish Government's refusal to fund warfighting capability in Scotland, damaging British interests and security.
Minister reply
Suggests that questions regarding Scottish Government's role should be directed at them.
-
Question
Asks about the push for peace in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of investment in defence industry in regions like the East Midlands.
Minister reply
Agrees that supporting Ukraine is important not only for Ukrainians but also for Britain's future security.
-
Question
Congratulates on the deal with Norway worth £10 billion. Asks about discussions with American allies to ensure minerals deals do not detract from supporting Ukraine and holding Putin accountable.
Minister reply
Emphasises ongoing support for documenting war crimes in Ukraine and providing funding, resources, and expert advice.
-
Question
Asks about the UK's efforts to convince allies to back security guarantees and peace in Ukraine.
Minister reply
Confirms that there is nothing Putin can do to deter UK support for Ukraine. Mentions upcoming meetings of Defence Ministers from the coalition of the willing.