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Question
The shadow minister asks about the long-awaited defence investment plan. He mentions that our defence industry will be furious at this delay and highlights the importance of alliances working both ways, referring to UK's response following 9/11.
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Question
When will the Government and their European allies finally use the frozen Russian assets to punish Putin and properly support our Ukrainian friends?
Minister reply
We are in discussions with European partners on how to use immobilised sovereign Russian assets, and there is strong support from the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Defence Secretary for this issue. We need to continue making the case for Russia to pay for its damage to Ukraine.
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Question
Has the Minister considered lowering the oil price cap to $30 a barrel, which could cut more than a third off Putin’s oil profits? Can he confirm whether the Government will seize the £30 billion-worth of assets in this country?
Minister reply
We have taken significant steps on the Russian oil price cap and continue to look at more methods alongside our allies. We are committed to maintaining NATO unity and supporting Ukraine through the coalition of the willing, Multinational Force Ukraine, and further actions.
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Question
What measures will be taken regarding Russian assets to ensure they are not used for future invasions? Will the Government review Russian tax avoidance that occurred within the UK?
Minister reply
We continue to look at ways to use frozen Russian assets effectively, alongside our allies. The Government has taken steps regarding Roman Abramovich's assets and will consider further actions related to historical Russian tax avoidance.
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Question
We must ensure that any peace settlement does not force Ukraine to give up territory that Russia has not conquered forcibly and should include a commitment that Ukraine’s defence is protected by an equivalent of article 5 declaration.
Minister reply
I agree on the importance of these points. It is for Ukraine to decide its future in negotiations, but security guarantees exist within a framework enabling deployment of western forces and preventing Putin from regrouping.
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Question
Does the Minister agree that the inquiry into foreign financial interference in our domestic politics has not come soon enough, given recent reports of Russian agents undermining institutions in Belgium?
Minister reply
The majority of seized Russian assets are held by Belgium. We are discussing this directly with Belgian colleagues and taking steps to prevent Russian interference and defend ourselves better.
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Question
The promises of defence spending are actually on the never-never as they come after the next election, while money is being reallocated from other budgets to the defence budget.
Minister reply
We are increasing defence spending with £5 billion extra this year and every year for the next 10 years. We need to step up as a country, not just within Defence but across Government and society.
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Question
What recent work has been done with colleagues in the FCDO to ensure that Ukrainian children do not find themselves on the battlefield?
Minister reply
Children should never be pawns of war. We have committed more than £2.8 million to support efforts for the return and reintegration of Ukrainian children deported by Russia.
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Question
Why can the Government not get on with the UK maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas today?
Minister reply
The maritime services ban is being phased in to align with EU friends introducing equivalent restrictions. However, the Government share impatience for swift action.
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Question
In memory of Lance Corporal George Hooley who wrote a poignant letter before his passing, highlighting his pride in serving for democracy and freedom.
Minister reply
Lance Corporal George Hooley's service is deeply appreciated on all Benches. His ultimate sacrifice is acknowledged with great respect.
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Question
The people of Ukraine are not alone, as we have heard in this House today. Their sacrifices are for their own country, but they are for us all. What can the Minister tell us about the cross-Government steps we are taking to stop interference in our democracy, attacks on our infrastructure and, indeed, attacks on our whole society?
Minister reply
This Government’s approach has been different from previous Governments. We have revealed Russian activity precisely because of increasing threats. For instance, revealing the Yantar spy ship's activity over UK infrastructure and laser-shining incidents at RAF pilots. The Minister also mentioned the importance of taking a whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach to counter these threats.
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Question
According to the Defence Committee, the most effective way to ensure long-term security for Ukraine and the strongest possible European defence framework is to have strategic unity with our European allies. Will the Minister confirm the reasons behind the refusal to join the SAFE programme?
Minister reply
We entered into negotiations over SAFE in good faith but were not willing to accept a deal that was not in the best interests of UK taxpayers or British defence industry. We continue to work bilaterally with European friends, allowing up to 35% participation from British companies.
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Question
Will the Minister set out to the House the extent to which the coalition of the willing is ready for a significant deployment commitment, including what force elements might be deployed first?
Minister reply
The coalition of the willing is ready to deploy. The coalition has three main elements: safe skies, securing airspace with combat air Typhoon jets; safe seas, securing maritime domain; and supporting regeneration of Ukrainian forces.
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Question
Can the Minister update us on de-mining in Ukraine? Russian reckless use of mines across large areas of Ukraine poses a threat to civilians.
Minister reply
Russia’s reckless use of mines threatens not only Ukraine's military forces but also civilians. The UK supports efforts with Ukrainian friends and will support de-mining efforts after peace, including clearing maritime mines in the Black Sea.
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Question
Will he join me in wishing Ukrainians a merry Christmas and making a commitment that we will always be a safe haven for them?
Minister reply
The Minister wishes all Ukrainians a very merry Christmas and hopes for a peaceful new year, emphasising the UK's support at home and abroad.
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Question
Can I urge him to go further in using frozen central assets as negotiating leverage and committing unilaterally to use such assets?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees with the importance of using frozen Russian assets as leverage in peace negotiations, stressing that UK should move with international allies.
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Question
What progress has he made in digitising our kill chain and ensuring effectiveness of the eastern flank deterrence line?
Minister reply
The Minister mentioned early steps taken towards a digital targeting web, which will increase lethality by integrating sensors and effectors. Money is being spent to develop this concept further.
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Question
I thank the Minister for his statement, and for reminding us of the commitment of the £1.6 billion deal announced this March for 5,000 lightweight air defence missiles, which supports 700 jobs at Thales in Belfast, and indeed across the Province. This Government and this Minister are committing themselves, and I thank them for that.
The picture on the front page of The Times today shows two soldiers who had been on the front for 130 days. They look tired—they look like they need a break. They have now been sent to the rear to have a chance to recuperate. While their faces are tired, their eyes tell the real story: they show their courage and commitment. What has been done to ensure that all medical help and assistance is available to help the injured, both in mind and body, and to get them reinvigorated so that they can go back and continue to stand for Ukrainians at the front?
Minister reply
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the lightweight multirole missile contract that we secured earlier this year in support of the production facility in Belfast. Defence is an engine for growth, and we can use not only the increased spending on our defence, but that in support of our friends in Ukraine to create more good, well-paid and decent jobs in every part of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right; my sense of many Ukrainian soldiers on the front is that they are tired but undefeated. The courage that we see from them, and their innovative spirit in using new technologies to defend their country and their people against this illegal attack, should give us all courage and pride; it will continue to do so. I encourage the hon. Gentleman to look at Project Renovator, which is how we are supporting Ukrainian service personnel to recuperate and then get back on the frontline. As well as supporting that effort, we are providing those fighting forces with the equipment and innovative new technology that they need, especially in drones and air defence missiles, to ensure that we can keep Ukraine in the fight, as well as putting it in the best possible position at the negotiating table.
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Question
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Absolutely; it does pertain to the statement. We had been hoping for a Christmas present in the form of a defence investment plan. The Minister has told the House that the Government are working, in his words, flat out—
Minister reply
The right hon. Gentleman is seeking to extend the debate we have just had on a separate matter. He will know that that is not a point of order, and it is not a matter for the Chair whether the MOD is going to bring forward the defence investment plan.