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Ukraine 2026-01-14
14 January 2026
Lead MP
Stephen Doughty
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 44
At a Glance
Stephen Doughty raised concerns about ukraine 2026-01-14 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office commends the support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and outlines the UK's commitment to peace negotiations. He highlights the 100-year partnership agreement with Ukraine and the deployment of British and French forces under a legal framework if a ceasefire takes effect. He also mentions significant military aid pledges and sanctions on Russia.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questions the Minister about President Trump's differing stance on Iran versus Ukraine, expressing concern over the ambiguous attitude of President Trump towards Ukraine.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Urges NATO members to speed up delivery of air defence and air-to-air missiles to Ukraine based on a letter from the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
Stuart Anderson
Con
Weaver Vale
Questions the government's concerns about South Korea potentially opening plants in Russia while engaging heavily on trade, highlighting a potential conflict of interest.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Emphasises the need for more support for Ukrainian communities settling in the UK to help them integrate and lead better lives. Commends local organisations like Bosnia House that are supporting these efforts.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Raises concern over James Scott Rhys Anderson, one of the only Britons captured by Russians who faces severe sentencing in a Russian penal colony. Urges for progress on securing his release.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Acknowledges the importance of domestic support for Ukrainian families in maintaining their language and culture, citing an example from Reading's Ukrainian community centre with a language library as crucial.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Ms. Thornberry emphasises the impact of the war on Ukrainian civilians, particularly highlighting how critical civilian infrastructure is being deliberately attacked by Putin to undermine morale. She expresses admiration for the strength, focus, fortitude and bravery of Ukrainians who are determined to keep their country independent despite extreme hardships. Ms. Thornberry also mentions her recent experience with the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Committee where members had to meet via car due to lack of power in buildings.
The debate focuses on the need to enforce existing sanctions against Russia by using military assets and insurance checks on ships involved in sanction evasion. It emphasises taking action against shadow fleets, which are used to circumvent sanctions and support the Russian war effort.
Phil Brickell
Lab
Bolton West
He supports creative ways of imposing sanctions but worries about their enforcement. He agrees that the UK Government should be mindful of other relevant aspects as they pursue actions against the shadow fleet, which keeps money flowing to Russia and threatens maritime safety.
She supports creative methods for sanction enforcement but stresses the importance of proper investment in enforcement. She discusses hybrid warfare by Russia, emphasising its threat to democracies like Ukraine and Britain. She warns about disinformation campaigns targeting elections and suggests that Britain should be prepared for Russian aggression.
Lewes
He welcomes the debate on Ukraine but expresses concern over American peace proposals and their implications. He calls for honesty about US commitments and asks how the UK will ensure credible security guarantees and military deployments in case of a future conflict with Russia.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Pays tribute to Members who have contributed in various ways, reflects on his personal motivation stemming from the Syrian conflict and Putin's role. Criticises those blaming the west for the Ukraine conflict. Praises Conservative Members, especially Ben Wallace, for their roles pre-conflict. Acknowledges support from Ministers and Prime Minister but warns against complacency during any ceasefire period. Emphasises the importance of continued military support and drone technology to aid Ukrainian defence efforts. Encourages joint ventures with City of London to unlock capital for drone production in Ukraine. Commends grassroots organisations helping deliver essential supplies like vehicles to frontline soldiers.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Supports his colleague's comments, highlighting Putin’s partnership with Iran as evidence of Putin’s disregard for human rights and morality. Stresses the importance of recognising who Putin’s allies are in assessing his actions.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Associates himself with the support expressed by the Minister, Opposition spokespersons, and Foreign Affairs Committee Chair for Ukraine. Emphasises that Ukraine's fight is a shared struggle and expresses pride in national contributions since the start of the conflict.
Edward Leigh
Con
Sherwood
Edward Leigh raised concerns about the deployment of British troops in Ukraine, questioning the effectiveness of such a move given Russia's persistent aggression and the potential for further conflict. He highlighted the historical context of troop deployments during the Cold War and the need to question any proposed military action.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Johanna Baxter focused on the issue of Ukrainian children being abducted by Russian authorities, highlighting that over 700 Ukrainian children have been officially registered in Russia. She detailed how these children are subjected to militarisation and indoctrination through mandatory military training and psychological testing. Baxter urged for a clearer international consensus on returning abducted children as part of any peace deal.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Bernard Jenkin welcomed the debate but criticised its unprepared nature, suggesting it lacked proper motion and attendance. He reiterated that Russia's diplomatic efforts aim to exploit Western weakness, and underscored the importance of supporting Ukraine to prevent a Russian military victory.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Mr Roome raises concerns about Russian oil exports passing through the channel despite the Defence Secretary’s statement on curtailing such exports. He calls for a stronger response from NATO to intercept these shipments and shows agreement with Sir Bernard Jenkin's proposal.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central
Mr Sobel thanks the Leader of the House for initiating debate on Ukraine. He describes the current situation in Kyiv, including ongoing Russian strikes and energy infrastructure damage. Mr Sobel cites personal accounts from Lesia Vasylenko about the daily life challenges faced by Ukrainians during winter. He emphasises the need for renewable energy solutions to secure long-term energy independence and discusses issues related to visa restrictions and sanctions against Russia.
My hon. Friend
not named in the provided text
Committed the Government to take action on issuing a licence through the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation, unlocking £2.5 billion of Chelsea football club proceeds that were frozen for four years. Called for faster action on moving more than £700,000 of assets belonging to Petr Aven.
Supported the idea of using funds from the Chelsea sale and other assets to support Ukraine and victims of conflict. Highlighted the need for reparations from individuals benefiting from the war or Russian kleptocracy. Advocated for redirecting ODA money towards supporting other conflicts like Syria.
Suggested compensating for the funds going to Ukraine by freeing up assets that could go to other conflicts around the world due to budget cuts in aid. Emphasised the need for careful planning and reassurance on troop deployment, and welcomed plans to develop new tactical ballistic missiles with Ukraine.
Emphasised the human side of the conflict in Ukraine, mentioning personal visits to Kyiv during bombardment and Sumy after an artillery attack. Highlighted the importance of local-to-local solidarity and education partnerships. Advocated for deepening cooperation with European allies.
Asked about accountability for Russians involved in massacres, rape, torture, and killing. Urged that such individuals should be taken to court and put in prison.
Called for unity among Members in support of Ukraine, emphasising the need for both words and tools to help Ukrainians fight the war. Highlighted the importance of not making peace without Ukrainian input, reflecting on historical mistakes like Czechoslovakia's future being decided without them.
Suggested that local communities should provide opportunities for Ukrainians to celebrate their culture, such as through a festival of friendship in Epsom. Emphasised the importance of preserving Ukrainian identity among refugees in the UK.
Agreed with Kevin Bonavia's stance that Putin's ambitions for territorial expansion should be acknowledged based on his statements and Russian history, urging a clear position against any denial of these facts.
Chris Heaphy
Con
Bath
Putin's ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, encompassing former Warsaw Pact countries. The speaker emphasised the need for resolute defence of Ukraine due to its significance for Europe’s future.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Anderson discussed historical troop deployments in Bosnia and Kosovo, highlighting current British armed forces limitations compared to past numbers. He raised concerns about deploying 7,500 troops, equivalent to half the Army's strength, without clear strategy or rules of engagement.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
Baker highlighted the humanitarian crisis faced by disabled people in Ukraine, emphasising the need for more support and intervention from the international community to address human rights violations against these individuals.
Newton Abbot
Wrigley discussed practical support needs of Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, including visa extensions, qualification recognition for schooling and professions like dentistry. He emphasised Ukrainians’ proactive efforts to rebuild their lives in the UK.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Acknowledges Trump's efforts but expresses doubt about their sustainability, criticises previous US pressure on Ukraine to make concessions. Emphasises the need for robust security guarantees and closer cooperation with European democratic allies for rearmament.
Maldon
Highlights UK's support for Ukraine since 2014, expresses concerns over proposed peace plans that could involve territorial losses or NATO troop deployments. Advocates for tougher actions against Russia and increased arming of Ukraine.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Stresses the importance of defending the international rules-based system, citing past British military interventions to uphold national and human rights. Urges continued support for Ukraine in line with this tradition.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The Member highlights the plight of Ukrainian refugees in her constituency, focusing on their integration challenges and the difficulties they face with education and employment due to visa restrictions. She requests information from the Government regarding schemes that allow Ukrainians, particularly those in the medical profession, to utilise their skills fully while in the UK.
Honiton and Sidmouth
The Member discusses Russian intentions and the coalition of willing nations supporting Ukraine. He questions the ambiguity surrounding the deployment of British troops and suggests that Russia might use plausible deniability to deflect blame in case of an attack on British forces.
Dorking and Horley
The Member underscores the importance of liberal democracy's success against dictatorial threats, both from eastern powers and autocrats. He suggests that by seizing $300 billion in frozen Russian assets, Europe could deter Putin and ensure a just peace for Ukraine.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Expresses concern over the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russian forces. Questions if the Government recognises these abductions as war crimes and whether they will hold Putin accountable. Criticises Trump's behaviour, advocating for European unity in supporting Ukraine.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Emphasises the high stakes of the conflict regarding Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom, and wider European security. Discusses concrete consequences of Russian advances beyond eastern Europe, including energy markets and cyber-attacks. Supports diplomatic efforts with eyes wide open, emphasising that a weak settlement rewards aggression. Criticises Putin's ambitions for Ukraine and calls for stronger sanctions enforcement against Russia.
Minister for the Armed Forces
James Heappey
Discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasising Russia's prolonged military involvement and the high number of Russian casualties. Highlighted the commitment to Ukrainian security and the importance of international efforts to pressure Putin's regime towards a lasting peace. Addressed questions regarding security guarantees, operational plans, and troop deployments while stressing the need for confidentiality to avoid compromising strategic information.
Father of the House
Sir Edward Leigh
Emphasised the bravery of Ukrainian forces standing against Russian aggression and expressed personal willingness to defend allies if their way of life is threatened.
Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Johanna Baxter
Highlighted the plight of 20,000 Ukrainian children affected by Russia's actions and supported efforts to return them to Ukraine. Criticised Russian doctrine that includes kidnapping and re-education of populations as part of its strategy.
Member for Stevenage
Kevin Bonavia
Stressed the importance of placing Ukraine at the centre of negotiations for peace and stability in Europe.
Member for South Shropshire
Stuart Anderson
Discussed military tactics, rotations, and border security measures, emphasising the need for clarity in language to avoid political influence on military advice.
Government Response
The Minister responds by outlining UK's support for NATO and its commitment to Article 5. He also mentions military aid pledges, sanctions on Russia, and efforts to choke off Russian oil revenues. Stressed the ongoing commitment to Ukraine's security and provided reassurances regarding security guarantees, troop deployments, and operational plans. Emphasised the need for confidentiality in military operations to prevent strategic advantage to adversaries.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
Highlights the ongoing threat of Russian aggression and its potential to embolden an authoritarian axis beyond just Russia. He underscores the need for preparedness against sustained tension with Russia, noting incidents such as drone incursions in Poland and airspace violations by Russia in Romania and Estonia.
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Assessment & feedback
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