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Question
An unspecified MP questions the government on its commitment to providing additional military capabilities or leading international support for Ukraine, as well as strategies against the Russian shadow fleet and oil refineries buying Russian crude. The MP also asks about the scale of deployment in Hormuz and how it will reassure regional partners.
Minister reply
The minister responds that the government is committed to supporting Ukraine with military capabilities and continues efforts to disrupt the Russian shadow fleet's operations. She outlines commitments to leading international pressure on refineries buying Russian crude oil and reassures MPs about the deployment plans for Hormuz, emphasising readiness to deploy advanced autonomous minehunters.
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Question
An unspecified MP inquires about the UK's ability to operate in theatres around the world and questions whether Britain can expect others to increase defence spending when it is not leading by example.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the importance of setting an example through increased defence spending but emphasises current commitments and future plans, including significant investments in new capabilities such as autonomous minehunters and drones for maritime operations.
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Question
An unspecified MP raises concerns about Britain's readiness to face international threats due to insufficient defence spending.
Minister reply
The minister reiterates the government’s commitment to strengthening NATO and enhancing European defence, highlighting significant funding increases and new initiatives in defence procurement and capabilities.
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Question
An unspecified MP addresses Sudan's crisis, questioning whether words are enough and urging for concrete actions such as extending the arms embargo and pressing warring parties into a ceasefire.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the need for action beyond rhetoric, supporting extension of the arms embargo and urging all sides to halt attacks in El Obeid.
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Question
I am grateful to the Foreign Secretary for advance sight of her statement. I start by recognising some of the positive commitments in the NATO summit communiqué, including the important reaffirmation of the alliance’s commitment to collective defence under article 5 and to the transatlantic bond, and the essential new defence procurement announcements. The recognition of Ukraine as a contributor to transatlantic security is overdue, and we back the reiteration of the alliance’s support for Ukraine.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend makes a really important point. There are links between our national security and our economic security; they are closely intertwined. That comes from the fact that if our economic security is jeopardised, including through things such as the closure of the strait of Hormuz, it has an impact on our national security and particularly on supply chains for critical minerals, for example, which may be crucial to our defence.
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Question
I very much welcome the Foreign Secretary’s statement. The alliance is growing stronger by the week, but it is clear now that national security rests on economic security. Can she update the House on what conversations she had about how the allies will come together to build and enlarge an arsenal of democracy for the 21st century, whereby we collaborate on defence industrial policy and defence finance strategy on a wholly new scale that is fit for this new age of insecurity?
Minister reply
There are links between our national security and our economic security; they are closely intertwined. That comes from the fact that if our economic security is jeopardised, including through things such as the closure of the strait of Hormuz, it has an impact on our national security and particularly on supply chains for critical minerals, for example, which may be crucial to our defence.
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Question
Asked about the Prime Minister's stance on Donald Trump’s threats against Greenland, reaffirmation of support for Ukraine, and UK funding (£3 billion over four years) towards a new deep strike capability with European partners. Also inquired about the possibility of combining Defence, Security and Resilience Bank with multilateral defence mechanism to create an EU rearmament bank, and questioned about actions regarding Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Minister reply
Clarified that disagreements with Trump were stated clearly; UK supported Greenland sovereignty. Mentioned £3 billion allocation towards deep precision strike over four years and cooperation with Germany, France, Italy on the programme. Joint statement released by Prime Minister and Canadian PM about combining initiatives for better impact. Raised arms embargo issue with UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia regarding Sudan’s RSF.
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Question
Asked for reassurance that UK would work closely to bring about a new ceasefire between US and Iran, emphasising the need for technical talks around preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Minister reply
Welcomed the point; emphasised that Iran must give up its claim on controlling international shipping routes. Offered support through multilateral maritime mission for technical talks.
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Question
Emphasised need to live in a more dangerous world and called for full NATO commitments, suggesting curbing the welfare bill to fund such efforts.
Minister reply
Agreed on increasing investment in defence but also emphasised importance of broader measures including intelligence capabilities. UK is already over 4% towards NATO commitment.
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Question
Asked about impact of £70 billion pledged to Ukraine at Ankara summit.
Minister reply
Stated that support includes immediate military capabilities, resilience and long-term commitment crucial for Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
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Question
Asked about bilateral discussions between President Trump and Zelensky regarding US sharing Patriot missile production licences with Ukraine.
Minister reply
Supported positive discussions; welcomed commitment made by the US president on licensing.
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Question
Asked about discussions at summit involving joint procurement between British and European defence industries to enhance interoperability.
Minister reply
Emphasised importance of joint procurement for advanced capabilities, cited example of UK-Norway joint procurement on new frigates.
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Question
The Foreign Secretary has rightly highlighted the UK’s unwavering commitment to our ally, Ukraine. However, with Russian narratives and propaganda in mind, what steps is the Foreign Secretary taking with UK colleagues and international counterparts to ensure that we stop allowing Russia to use the world stage to push its propaganda and narratives?
Minister reply
I agree with challenging Russia in every sphere; sanctions have been imposed against misinformation efforts. The hon. Member’s concerns about IOC's decision on Olympics were noted, and points raised will be passed to the Culture Secretary.
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Question
Was there an opportunity at NATO summit to discuss Gaza and West Bank situations? Does the Foreign Secretary agree that we should follow countries such as Spain in giving full effect to our obligations under international law?
Minister reply
Discussions were held regarding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and west bank settlements. Concerns about illegal settlements expansion and settler violence are noted; measures including trade restrictions and sanctions are being looked into.
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Question
Recognising the Foreign Secretary’s commitment to Sudan, how can we prevent another El Fasher in El Obeid?
Minister reply
Discussions were held with European allies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump, and President Macron. Pressure needs to be put on all who influence warring parties; an arms embargo extension is being sought.
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Question
Can she flesh out how the UK envisages those initiatives working more closely together, in practical terms and maybe in financial terms?
Minister reply
Work is underway to link multilateral defence mechanism with defence, security and resilience bank initiatives. Joint procurement focus from former complements support for small businesses; updates will be provided.
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Question
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
Minister reply
NATO is a defensive alliance with growing threats necessitating increased capabilities. Post-cold war peace dividend saw reductions in defence investment; now must deter threats and maintain security.
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Question
Why is the Prime Minister not coming to give statement after NATO summit? What discussions did she have with her counterparts on improving missile defence for Ukraine?
Minister reply
Prime Minister raised issues at NATO summit. Extensive discussions held about air defences for Ukraine, considering immediate and short-term support from various partners and allies.
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Question
Having criticised successive coalition, Conservative and Labour Governments for inadequate defence spending, may I yet again remind the Foreign Secretary that during the 1980s we successfully came through the height of the cold war by spending between 4% and 5% of GDP on defence? Did she detect a shift in American President’s attitude towards the Ukraine conflict?
Minister reply
Pays tribute to right hon. Member's criticism. US recognises Ukraine’s strength, Russia’s failings, and willingness to support Ukraine; links between Russian-Iranian threats are also recognised.
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Question
Questions the Scottish Executive's refusal to fund defence firms with commercial relationships with Israel, arguing that this damages British security and NATO.
Minister reply
Defence and foreign policy are reserved matters. Scotland plays a crucial role in UK defence both through its armed forces and by having important parts of our defence industry.
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Question
Asks how the Government will ensure that all NATO countries contribute equally to shared security, especially in light of ongoing conflicts with Russia and Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Minister reply
Welcomes the question and assures that every NATO country is committed to increasing investment in defence. The strength of NATO comes from collective commitments.
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Question
Questions whether further increases in defence spending will be necessary due to the President's recent comments, and suggests that this might come at the expense of welfare spending.
Minister reply
Agrees on the need for further investment but notes current commitments to increase core defence spending from 2.3% to 3.5%. Emphasises the importance of expanding capabilities with modern technology.