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Ukraine 2025-03-03
03 March 2025
Lead MP
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefenceScotland
Other Contributors: 89
At a Glance
Keir Starmer raised concerns about ukraine 2025-03-03 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
Called on the House to show courage in the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, announced a significant increase in defence spending for the first time since the cold war. Emphasised economic security as national security and outlined plans to create new jobs through military investment, including a £1.6 billion deal with Ukraine for air defence missiles manufactured in Belfast. Met President Trump in the White House to strengthen ties with America and hosted European leaders for a summit on securing peace in Ukraine.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Acknowledged the importance of supporting Ukraine's fight for freedom, democracy, and sovereignty. Welcomed the Prime Minister’s actions to convene European leaders and use UK Export Finance to support British jobs. Supported the uplift in defence spending to 2.5% by 2027 and beyond. Highlighted the need for details on any potential deployment of British troops and asked about plans to further utilise frozen Russian assets, sanctions on Russian-linked individuals, and ensuring Ukraine's participation in peace negotiations.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Thornberry expressed concern that cuts to the UK's overseas aid budget could undermine efforts to secure a just peace for Ukraine. She supported the Prime Minister's leadership but questioned whether these cuts would hamper future humanitarian support.
Ed Davey
LD
Kingston and Surbiton
Davey expressed regret over US President Trump's stance on Russia and emphasised the need for UK to reduce its dependency on the United States. He supported discussions with allies on a rearmament bank and asset seizures to support Ukraine, and urged the Prime Minister to clarify Lord Mandelson’s comments.
Slough
Dhesi welcomed the PM's efforts towards securing a just peace but sought assurances that the UK would work with President Trump for security guarantees and encourage NATO allies to meet their 2% GDP defence spending target.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Cleverly agreed with the PM's approach but called for a significant increase in defence spending, emphasising unity across parties on this issue and the need to signal seriousness about defending values and allies.
Alex Sobel
Lab/Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Sobel questioned the PM's plans for supporting energy projects in Ukraine, especially following the cancellation of a USAID-funded project. He asked if UK could step forward to support such initiatives using Russian assets or aid budget.
The debate focused on the UK's support for Ukraine, international security measures against Russia, and discussions around defence spending and aid budgets.
Tooting
Congratulates the Prime Minister on European leadership meetings. Asks if he will continue to work closely with allies to support Ukraine and ensure peace.
Twickenham
Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement of support for Ukraine, but raises concerns about aid budget cuts and the impact on the Middle East. Asks what representations are being made to reverse Gaza aid blockades.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Congratulates the Prime Minister on his strong leadership and asks him to recommit to increasing international aid spending to 0.7% when fiscal circumstances allow.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Compliments the PM's support for Ukraine but disagrees with plans related to nuclear deterrents. Asks if reports of US withdrawing military aid are accurate and what impact this would have.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Agrees on UK leadership in defence and security, urging the Prime Minister to consider hitting 3% spending before the next election to bolster support for Ukraine.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Compliments PM's actions in forming a coalition with European allies to counter Russia’s GDP. Emphasises the importance of self-confidence and collective security among NATO members.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Thanks Prime Minister for his strong leadership and asks if alongside allied efforts, they are closely monitoring Russian strategic partners during peace negotiations.
Epsom and Ewell
Welcomes the increase in defence spending but urges reversal of Conservative cuts to troop numbers. Asks for commitment against going it alone without US support.
Calder Valley
Thanks PM for diplomatic efforts and asks if decisions about Ukraine’s future will include its elected leadership, ensuring security guarantees are adhered to by Russian aggressors.
Tom Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
Echoes thanks for leadership in forming a coalition of European allies. Asks if the PM is reaching out beyond Europe to form an international coalition against Russia.
Barry Gardiner
Lab
Brent West
Compliments the Prime Minister's leadership but argues that rising defence spending should be achieved by changing fiscal rules, not cuts to aid budgets.
Nigel Farage
Reform
Clacton
Acknowledges PM’s effective use of Brexit freedoms in diplomacy and asks about the security implications of America's involvement with Ukraine regarding mineral agreements. Discusses potential British troop commitments based on US aid levels.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Welcomes the Prime Minister’s statement and asks if Russia must return 19,546 children stolen from Ukraine to achieve lasting peace.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Supports the Prime Minister's position on security guarantees with Ukraine, emphasising that Putin’s Administration cannot be trusted.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Praises the Prime Minister for his leadership and supports the increase in defence budget. Calls for deeper partnership with Ukraine to provide necessary support during negotiations.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Congratulates the Prime Minister on providing support to Ukraine but questions whether UK armed forces can deliver given their overstretched state, advocating for continued US involvement.
Perran Moon
Lab
Camborne and Redruth
Appreciates the Prime Minister's leadership and emphasises the importance of unity in the House to show strength against division that Putin would exploit.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Stresses the need for diplomatic engagement with the US to ensure security guarantees, highlighting Putin's history of untrustworthiness in treaty-making.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Acknowledges the Prime Minister’s efforts and emphasises the importance of engaging all parts of the UK with defence opportunities as well as challenges.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Highlights the positive impact of UK-NHS workers in Ukraine, suggesting supercharging rehabilitation efforts for mutual benefit.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Welcomes peace initiatives but expresses alarm about deploying British troops and planes, calling for a Commons vote before such decisions are made.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Suggests the creation of a defence industrial expansion unit to speed up military equipment production.
Rosie Wrighting
Lab
Kettering
Reiterates support for Ukraine's sovereignty and commitment to working with allies towards peace.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Proposes ensuring UK oil and gas consumption predominantly comes from within the country as a matter of national security.
Louise Jones
Lab
North East Derbyshire
Calls for strategic defence review to ensure an excellent security guarantee for Ukraine, given worsening weather conditions.
Adrian Ramsay
Green
Waveney Valley
Welcomed the Prime Minister’s support for Ukraine and his commitment to decisions involving Ukraine, but questioned how he would ensure that the interests of Ukraine remain front and centre in peace deals given President Trump's bullying tactics.
Naushabah Khan
Lab
Gillingham and Rainham
Agreed with the Prime Minister’s commitment to national security but raised concerns about reducing foreign aid due to increased defence spending, emphasising that without hard power backing international aid would be diminished.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Supported the PM's approach in dealing with President Trump and suggested a new 3% target for European NATO countries to ramp up defence spending, showing it as temporary.
Jonathan Brash
Lab
Hartlepool
Thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership over the week that increased support for Ukraine and requested a look into improving procurement for better equipment and support for soldiers in Ukraine.
Orkney and Shetland
Asked about the release of £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea football club meant to help Ukraine, questioning why it was frozen and not being used for its intended purpose.
Gordon McKee
Lab
Glasgow South
Supported PM's leadership on the world stage but asked about improving procurement processes so that growing start-ups can contribute to defence with their technology.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Agreed that sending soldiers into Ukraine without security guarantees would be folly and emphasised the importance of forward-leaning European elements and US backing for guarantees.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Thanked PM for leadership but criticised SNP leader's juvenile comments on social media, questioning their trustworthiness regarding national defence matters.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Committed to diplomatic initiatives and emphasised that boosted defence spending should not come at the expense of international aid or public services, asking about fiscal rules for responsible investment in these areas.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Passed on thanks from Ukrainian refugees in her constituency to PM and asked about considerations given to young Ukrainians who have laid down roots here and want settled status.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Congratulated the Prime Minister on his decision-making over the past few days, emphasising that when UK and USA are together, the world is safer. He suggested reminding President Trump about Russia's deal with North Korea.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Suggested using success in developing alternative energy technology to support Ukraine’s energy security as it defends its arrangements and works towards lasting peace.
Vikki Slade
LD
Mid Dorset and North Poole
Welcomed the Government's commitment to increasing defence spending but was troubled by it being done entirely at the expense of overseas development aid budget, asking for an open mind on alternatives.
Announced job creation in Belfast linked to defence spending. Emphasised the importance of UK manufacturing and innovation for economic security. Stressed the need for coordination with European allies on ramping up spending and capability, highlighting past inefficiencies. Assured Baltic states that their interests will be represented at future discussions due to immediate threat they face from Russia.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Expressed support for the Prime Minister's efforts in ensuring Ukraine's security and safety. Asked about conversations with European allies on reducing duplication of effort in defence plans.
Maldon
Asked if any settlement would involve acceptance of Russian occupation of parts of Ukraine’s territory, expressed concern for the Baltic states' security and exposure due to this conflict.
Southend West and Leigh
Expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister's leadership in supporting Ukraine. Stressed the importance of remaining resolute as a House for the Ukrainian people, highlighted the 100-year partnership between the UK and Ukraine.
George Freeman
Con
Mid Norfolk
Congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership and policy. Highlighted the importance of willing the means to fund military threat over the next five to ten years, estimated at £60 billion or possibly £70 billion.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Asked about further actions being considered to ensure Russia pays the full financial cost of its illegal invasion. Emphasised the use of frozen Russian assets for funding Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
Lee Dillon
LD
Newbury
Discussed gratitude expressed by Ukrainian people for UK's support. Highlighted the need to amend visa scheme so that Ukrainians in the UK can secure meaningful employment without time-limited visas.
James Frith
Lab
Bury North
Praised the Prime Minister’s leadership and composure, asked for commitment towards securing the release of 20,000 children kidnapped and forcibly removed to Russia by Russian forces.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Congratulated the Prime Minister on his leadership but stressed the importance of resources in place to tackle the issue. Highlighted the financial and demographic position of western Europe.
Alan Strickland
Lab
Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor
Discussed the security interdependence between Britain, Europe, and Ukraine against Russian aggression. Emphasised the need for a unified stance against Russia to defend democracy.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Asked about the nature of security guarantees required from the US in comparison to article 5 of NATO, expressed appreciation for the order for Thales in Belfast.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Complimented the Prime Minister's support for Ukraine. Asked about increased military spending specifically for re-equipping Ukraine and concerns over cutting international aid budget affecting global stability.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Takes the cross-party consensus on Ukraine positively but calls for SNP Scottish Government action to ensure businesses in Scotland benefit from increased defence spending.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Compliments Canada's contribution to Ukraine, urges Prime Minister to emphasise sovereignty during discussions with President Trump.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Asks the Prime Minister to strengthen oil price cap on Russia and requests a meeting to discuss it further.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Compliments the Prime Minister for leadership shown in recent days, asks him to send message of support to armed forces preparing to deploy to Ukraine.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Asks the Prime Minister to reassure Ukrainian community about his commitment to ending Russian invasion and bringing peace to Ukraine.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Supports seizing of Russian assets as a way to strengthen support for Ukrainian allies.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Quotes a Ukrainian constituent, stresses the importance of diplomacy and values in supporting Ukraine.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Praises the Prime Minister for his leadership and support for Ukraine, suggests UK can be a diplomatic bridge between US and Europe.
Noah Law
Lab
St Austell and Newquay
Agrees with the decision to cut overseas development assistance in favour of defence spending but emphasises that security and economic development go hand-in-hand.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Questions how peace objectives can be achieved when foreign aid budget is being cut, criticises SNP for not providing a clear plan to fund increased defence spending.
Josh Simons
Lab
Makerfield
Suggests the UK Government should rely on intelligence and less bluffing to serve national interests better by leading efforts towards world security.
Alberto Costa
Con
South Leicestershire
Compliments Prime Minister's leadership, reiterates need for lasting peace that guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Asked the Prime Minister what steps would be taken to ensure that European allies commit to spending 2.5% of their GDP on defence.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Inquired whether the Prime Minister will remind President Trump about the importance of decency in negotiations during his next meeting with him.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Asked about a rearmament bank concept and its implementation alongside European allies and Commonwealth friends.
Ben Maguire
LD
North Cornwall
Suggested that the Government should introduce emergency legislation to seize Russian assets, which could directly support Ukraine's defence.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Complimented the Prime Minister on his leadership and praised Lithuania’s decision to provide air defence systems to Ukraine.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Asked for a reconfirmation of commitment to AUKUS and an update on its progress, highlighting the importance of considering China's influence.
Mark Sewards
Lab
Leeds South West and Morley
Commended the Prime Minister for his diplomatic efforts and asked why supporting Ukraine is in Britain’s direct national interest.
Solihull West and Shirley
Asked what steps were being taken to discourage third nations from providing hardware to Russia, which it can use for its illegal war.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Commented on the change in conversation by the US regarding Ukraine and questioned whether President Trump could be kept on board until a fair settlement is achieved.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Complimented the Prime Minister for his commitment to sanctions on Russia not being lifted in case of a ceasefire and asked about measures against the shadow fleet.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Asked under what circumstances British troops could be deployed to Ukraine and sought a guarantee that any such decision would come before the House.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Inquired about individual Ministerial responsibility for offshore infrastructure security and condemned divestment campaigns against domestic defence manufacturing industries.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Thanked the Prime Minister for his support to President Zelensky, asked about assurance regarding US Air Forces presence in the UK and investment in defence infrastructure.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Welcomed £1.6 billion investment in Thales in Belfast for air defence missiles procurement but urged the Prime Minister to also invest in armed forces personnel.
Lewes
Congratulated the Prime Minister on constructive work with allies and asked how he intends to maintain positive momentum, particularly within the EU.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Asked the Prime Minister to confirm that decisions regarding deploying British troops rest solely with him and not devolved administrations like Scotland's First Minister.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Expressed concern over US stepping back from counter-cyber measures against Russia, shared Prime Minister’s stance on Russian cyber-threat to NHS.
Tessa Munt
LD
Wells and Mendip Hills
Asked the Prime Minister if military spending should prioritise outcomes rather than strictly annual budgets, suggesting a rolling average approach for defence and aid.
St Ives
Congratulated the PM on his actions but urged to look again at fiscal rules and consider taxing the wealthy rather than building essential investment in defence on the backs of the poorest.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed £1.6 billion contract for air defence missiles, expressed pride in UK's stance supporting Ukraine, and asked if support will seek to broker peace but not until right done by people of Ukraine.
Government Response
Emphasises unity of support for armed forces in Ukraine. Provides assurances on unwavering commitment to allies and aid efforts. Defends decision not to change fiscal rules and supports nuclear deterrent against Russia. Emphasises the importance of unity in the House and NATO alliance. Defends UK’s position on security guarantees, doubling down on support for Ukraine while working closely with US to ensure peace. The Prime Minister responded to all concerns with assurances about ramping up defence spending, improving procurement processes, focusing on energy security in Ukraine, and considering options related to frozen assets. He also emphasised the importance of European unity and cooperation in dealing with the United States and Russia. The Prime Minister responded to multiple queries regarding support for Ukraine, NATO relations, defence spending, diplomatic efforts, and criticism from SNP members. He emphasised the importance of coordination with allies, maintaining UK’s commitment to international values, stepping up economic pressure on Russia, and ensuring a secure future for Europe. Responded to multiple questions, emphasising the importance of Ukraine's security, European allies committing to defence spending, rearmament bank concept exploration, discouraging third nations from providing hardware to Russia, commitment to AUKUS, and reinforcing that support for Ukraine is in Britain’s national interest.
Shadow Response
Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Response
Supported the Prime Minister’s actions to convene European leaders and use UK Export Finance to support British jobs. Welcomed the uplift in defence spending and expressed readiness for effective scrutiny on any deployment of troops. Asked about plans to utilise frozen Russian assets, sanctions, ensuring Ukraine's participation in peace negotiations, and avoiding a repeat of previous failed agreements.
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