House of Commons · Urgent Question
20 November 2025 · 14 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 forcible removal of children 2025-11-20 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 that the UK is resolute in supporting Ukraine and its defence, particularly regarding reports of territorial concessions being considered? What are the government's views on reducing Ukrainian armed forces and any role in discussions with Russia? Also, what steps are being taken to pressure Russia economically, especially concerning oil refining by Turkey, India, China, and securing proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club for Ukraine?
Question
What is the Government’s position on reports that the United States is brokering a deal involving territorial concessions, and are British Ministers involved? Also, what proactive steps are being taken to pressure Russia economically?
Minister reply
The UK supports President Zelensky's initiative for an immediate ceasefire. The current line of contact should be the starting point in negotiations. As for economic pressure on Russia, sanctions and measures are under review. We have raised issues with Turkey and will continue discussions with China.
Question
Will the Government assure that before any peace deal is considered, the future of Ukraine’s 20,000 stolen children will be top of the agenda?
Minister reply
The tracing mechanism to identify children has made progress since September. The Foreign Secretary discussed this issue with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister during his visit last week. We oppose kidnapping and relocating children and will continue our work on this.
Question
Will the Government publicly reject any proposals that involve territorial concessions and urgently convene a coalition to generate support for Ukraine? Also, what further financial support is being offered to trace Ukrainian children?
Minister reply
The UK supports Ukraine's stance against territorial concessions. We have provided more than £2.8 million to trace Ukrainian children and reunite them with their families.
Question
What can the Government do to encourage greater support for Ukraine among allies?
Minister reply
We continue discussions with our international partners, including the G7 and US, to ensure unity in supporting Ukraine. The resolve of the west is crucial for driving back Russia's demands.
Question
The stealing of 20,000 children is an outrage. Does the Minister agree that the Bring Kids Back campaign is right to emphasise that the return of these children is non-negotiable in any future peace deal?
Minister reply
It is non-negotiable. You cannot steal children in war and think it’s acceptable. The relevant international legal provisions are absolutely clear, and I know this whole House genuinely agrees with the Bring Kids Back campaign.
Question
Russia is enduring significant financial pressure as a result of its illegal war in Ukraine. Does the Minister share my view that we must impose maximum economic pressure on Russia to force Putin to negotiate?
Minister reply
I do agree. We will continue to apply financial sanctions on Russia until it enters into ceasefire talks, despite the suffering this may cause Russian citizens.
Question
Russia’s kidnapping of children as a weapon in its illegal invasion of Ukraine is absolutely abhorrent. What more can the Government do to ensure this is not normalised by dictators across the world, and that children are not used as weapons?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend asks an important question. We will continue to work towards the safe return of all 20,000 Ukrainian abducted children through mechanisms we co-fund with Ukraine.
Question
Using children in this way is abhorrent. Newcastle-under-Lyme residents have supported Ukrainians by opening their homes, donating supplies, and raising funds. What are we doing to counter Russia's global influence?
Minister reply
We work with allies to address Russian malign influence globally, including discussions on Syria, Yemen, Libya, and efforts to mitigate this impact.
Question
What steps have the Government taken to push President Trump for a G7 plan to seize £300 billion in Russian assets and channel them to Ukraine?
Minister reply
We work with allies to ensure a robust and unified approach, discussing these issues at the G7. The Foreign Secretary discussed Ukrainian matters with US counterparts last week.
Question
Russia's invasion has had a devastating impact on disabled people in Ukraine, including targeting disabled children for forced adoption. How will we support the reconstruction needs of these vulnerable groups?
Minister reply
We consider the needs of vulnerable populations in our aid efforts and must do so during reconstruction to address the specific challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Question
The trafficking of Ukrainian children for forced adoption and brainwashing is despicable. What steps will we take to bring these children back home instead of accepting them as prisoners of war?
Minister reply
We work at every level to locate and return these children, including meetings with civil society organisations and discussions with foreign ministers.
Question
The role of the American President is in danger of being diminished. On returning children, what can we do to support their reintegration into Ukrainian society?
Minister reply
We work with the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and closely with the Ukrainian Government to support reintegration efforts.
Question
All want peace in Ukraine on its terms, not Russia's. What assurances can you give that the UK will stand fully behind Ukraine ensuring a peace agreement on Ukraine’s terms?
Minister reply
We work with G7 partners to condemn Russian actions and increase economic costs for Russia, including through recent sanctions measures.
Government Response
Russia's assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked attack. Over three years, Ukrainians have defended their country with courage. President Putin continues to intensify attacks and remove children from families. About 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported by Russian authorities. The UK has committed more than £2.8 million to supporting the return of these children. At the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting, partners were clear that international borders must not be changed by force. Over 900 individuals and entities are sanctioned, targeting Russia's oil producers and illicit fleet. President Putin shows no readiness for meaningful peace talks. The UK supports Ukraine in its stance against territorial concessions.