Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Ukraine

25 February 2026 · 41 other contributors

Opened by John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

John Healey raised concerns about ukraine in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The war in Ukraine has lasted four years following Putin's invasion.
  • The conflict has caused significant suffering to Ukrainians on both sides.
  • The UK is urged to increase support for Ukraine's air defence systems.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

The war has lasted four years, with Putin's brutal invasion causing immense suffering to Ukrainians. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Putin is failing strategically while Ukraine remains defiant and determined. The UK must redouble its support for air defence systems as part of a broader strategy that includes economic sanctions and readiness for peacekeeping efforts post-conflict.

Other contributors (41)
  • Stephen Gethins SNP Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

    Urges the Secretary of State to raise with utmost urgency the need for air defence missiles, particularly Patriots, to defend Ukraine's skies.

  • Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough

    Emphasises that any ceasefire must not involve ceding unoccupied territory, warning against encouraging further Russian aggression through such a compromise.

  • Kevin Bonavia Lab Stevenage

    Pays tribute to the defence industry's role in manufacturing Storm Shadow missiles and other essential support for Ukraine.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Questions whether there is greater freedom now to supply longer-range missile systems to Ukraine, given past resistance from some allies.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Asks about the valuable work in defence technology and modernising procurement processes to encourage tech companies to contribute further.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Highlights the importance of providing body armour for both Ukrainian and British servicewomen, ensuring all are equipped with high-tech protection.

  • Ben Obese-Jecty Con Huntingdon

    Requests details on the force structure of the UK component in the Multinational Force Ukraine to facilitate proper scrutiny by Members.

  • Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood

    Pays tribute to artists contributing to an exhibition titled “Voices from Ukraine” that reflects on conflict and resilience, encouraging all hon. Members to view it.

  • John Milne Lib Dem Horsham

    Tributes Chess Dynamics in his constituency for its contribution to tracking devices crucial to the conflict and agrees with Putin's unintentional role in building a strong national identity.

  • John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough

    Recognised the efforts of Johanna Baxter in receiving the Ukrainian Order of Merit for her work on the issue of abducted Ukrainian children.

  • Andrew Murrison Con South West Wiltshire

    Recalled a previous debate where the Prime Minister discussed providing security guarantees with US backing. He emphasised that deploying British troops without these assurances would be unwise.

  • Marie Rimmer Lab St Helens South and Whiston

    Pays tribute to the Secretary of State for his detailed speech, emphasises the unity among Members in supporting Ukraine. Discusses the impact of Russia’s invasion on Ukrainian citizens, highlighting Iryna Dovgan's case as an example of the need for reparations and support for survivors. Mentions ongoing humanitarian efforts by organisations like No Duff UK. Critiques the current sanctions strategy for its lack of effectiveness and calls for a clear plan to repurpose frozen Russian assets towards supporting Ukraine, ensuring justice and peace for Ukrainian victims.

  • James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes

    Mr MacCleary discussed the human cost of the war, including the abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children since the full-scale invasion began. He stressed the need to cut off resources fueling Putin's war machine and called for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia, particularly through third countries like Georgia, as well as increased pressure on China to stop funding the conflict.

  • Frank McNally Lab Coatbridge and Bellshill

    The speaker welcomes the debate, acknowledging the impact of Russia's aggression on Ukraine. He outlines the human cost of the war including deaths, injuries, internal displacement, and refugees. He praises Ukrainian resilience and criticises Russian overestimation of their military might. McNally highlights the community support in Coatbridge for Ukrainians fleeing conflict and mentions the cultural activities organised by them. He also stresses the need for accountability regarding war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine and the importance of continued defence spending. Additionally, he emphasises the moral obligation to support Ukrainians until a just peace is achieved.

  • Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central

    Intervening to highlight the work of Ukrainian community centres across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including supporting colleagues back in Ukraine through aid and fundraising efforts. Also mentions maintenance of cultural ties via language libraries.

  • Roger Gale Con Herne Bay and Sandwich

    Urges the need for unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, highlighting historical precedents of leniency towards Russia that may have emboldened Putin. Emphasises the importance of peace not being at any price to honour those who have sacrificed for democracy. Raises concerns about the resettlement and integration issues faced by Ukrainians living in the UK, including professional recognition challenges and uncertain futures due to ongoing conflict.

  • Julie Minns Lab Carlisle

    Welcomes government funding towards mine clearance efforts through organisations like HALO Trust. Highlights the significant challenge faced by Ukrainian farmers farming on mined land, estimating that about a quarter of Ukrainian land is now mined.

  • David Taylor Lab Hemel Hempstead

    Taylor speaks on the support for Ukraine, focusing on humanitarian and military aid delivered through small vehicles and drones. He calls for UK Government surplus vehicles to be donated, supports recognition of effective charities aiding Ukraine, and requests discussions with ferry operators and customs authorities to ease logistical challenges.

  • Brian Mathew Lib Dem Melksham and Devizes

    Mathew highlights the impact of Ukrainian refugees in his constituency, praising their resilience. He also commends local businesses like Avon Protection for manufacturing protective equipment for Ukraine and recognises activists opposing war and supporting democratic principles.

  • Aphra Brandreth Con Chester South and Eddisbury

    The contributions to the debate highlight the unity of support for Ukraine. The speaker underscores the cruelty of war, particularly on children, emphasising Russian deportations of Ukrainian children and the need for international efforts in rescuing them. She also discusses modern warfare's changing character, focusing on drones and autonomous systems. She stresses that Britain must adapt its armed forces to meet these new challenges and continue supporting Ukraine economically and militarily.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    The speech addresses the need for stricter economic sanctions on Russia, questioning Boris Johnson's notion of sending peaceful ground forces to Ukraine. It highlights current successful measures such as oil import bans and discusses the 'refining loophole' that continues to allow Russian crude imports. The speaker emphasises NATO’s strength and its role in ensuring peace, reminding Russia of its obligations under the alliance. Finally, he urges providing Ukraine with necessary tools for defence while depriving Russia of resources.

  • Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy

    The Labour MP Melanie Ward agreed with the need for substantial support, especially regarding Ukraine's bombardment by Shahed drones from Iran. She emphasised the strategic importance of standing firm against countries hostile to the UK.

  • Mike Martin Lib Dem Tunbridge Wells

    The Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin expressed concern about overcommitting forces in Ukraine and Estonia, potentially neglecting other areas on the eastern flank. He warned of the strategic implications if troops are fixed in these locations.

  • Monica Harding Lib Dem Esher and Walton

    Praised the Ukrainian people's resistance against Putin’s invasion, highlighting their resilience and sacrifice. Urged the government to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. Emphasised the need for cross-party support in the UK and the importance of aiding displaced Ukrainians to rebuild their lives while ensuring their stability and integration. Advocated for a clear route to long-term status for Ukrainian refugees, trauma-informed education for children, and an automatic visa extension beyond the current 24-month period. Criticised cuts to overseas aid, calling them counterproductive given Ukraine's strategic importance. Called on the Government to increase military support and seize frozen Russian assets in the UK for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.

  • Ian Roome Lib Dem North Devon

    The UK should be immensely proud of the support it has given to Ukraine since its invasion by Russia. British armed forces have trained over 62,000 Ukrainian personnel and provided essential military equipment worth £21 billion. The country must learn from Ukraine's strategic importance and understand the hardship faced by Ukrainians due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. It is crucial that UK civil society supports Ukraine in its fight against tyranny.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Intervened, agreeing with Ian Roome's comments and emphasising the need for accountability and justice for Russian perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine. He highlighted specific atrocities committed by Russians during their invasion.

  • Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness

    Intervened, sharing his recent visit to Ukraine where he witnessed the resilience and suffering of Ukrainian people. He noted that Ukraine has adopted a UK model for veteran support and advocated continuing collaborative efforts between both countries.

  • Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell

    Agreed with Ian Roome's points about the tactical challenges faced by Ukrainians due to extreme winter conditions. She called for urgent measures to seize Russian assets and use them to rebuild Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    Mr. Francois reported back to the House on his recent trip to Ukraine as part of a delegation of UK MPs, emphasising Ukraine's prolonged struggle against Russian aggression since 2014. He highlighted three main themes: the ongoing nature of the conflict for over a decade, the importance of extending sanctions on Russia, and expressing gratitude towards Britain's support in military, diplomatic, and economic terms. He also stressed the need for the UK to commit to long-term defence investment.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Mr. Jenkin recalled his visit with Mr Francois to Ukraine where they met President Zelensky, who expressed gratitude towards their support. He emphasised the importance of continuing proactive measures against Russia's shadow fleet vessels.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Mr. Foord inquired about the possibility of a maritime services ban being enacted by the end of this year to further restrict Russian oil and gas exports through insurance measures.

  • Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness

    Mr. Stuart agreed with Mr Francois's points, suggesting that more could be done to communicate the threat Russia poses to UK citizens, which would help secure necessary resources for both supporting Ukraine and arming the UK.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    We would all be intrigued to know who Reform’s defence spokesperson is, so if the Minister picks up any hints about that, perhaps he could give me a ring.

  • Martin Wrigley Lib Dem Newton Abbot

    On the subject of Ukrainians living in the valleys, I was visiting some Ukrainians who are on the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Dawlish... That is a big relief to the Ukrainians in my constituency, and indeed to Ukrainian officers. What does the Minister think about the future for people from Ukraine who are in the UK?

  • David Taylor Lab Hemel Hempstead

    The Minister noted the absence of Reform from this debate. I also note the absence of the Green party... Perhaps they are too busy spreading sectarian hate up in Gorton and Denton, or undermining NATO at every corner. Does he agree?

  • Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli

    As my hon. Friend will know, our hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter) has done a lot of work on the stolen children... She said that the Minister had mentioned the issue in New York, and she was very touched by that. Does he agree that the work she has been doing, in the face of a horrendous situation, is fantastic?

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I thank the Minister for his response, and for his words of encouragement for us MPs... What are the UK Government and the Minister—I know he is committed to this—doing to ensure that the evidential base is gathered to catch the people who carried out those crimes and make them accountable?

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    I am most grateful to the Minister for giving way... Given how utterly transformed Ukrainian forces are in terms of their capability to fight the Russians, what are we doing to transform our armed forces so that, with limited manpower, like the Ukrainians, we can hold back a Russian advance and ultimately protect NATO?

  • Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness

    Expressed gratitude to the Minister for allowing him to speak. Highlighted a request from Ukraine that there are not enough British businesses engaging in trade with them, despite their good relationship as allies. Asked if more could be done through the Department for Business and Trade to support bilateral trade.

  • Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth

    Asked about the delay in implementing a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas transport, which was announced by the Foreign Secretary but is not due to take effect until the end of the year. Inquired why it would take so long.

  • Nusrat Ghani Con Sussex Weald

    Paid tribute to the Ukrainian people and those Ukrainians who reside in her constituency, Sussex Weald.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy