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G7 and NATO Summits 2025-06-26
26 June 2025
Lead MP
The Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 53
At a Glance
The Prime Minister raised concerns about g7 and nato summits 2025-06-26 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
The Prime Minister
Keir Starmer
Opened the debate
Delivered a statement on the outcomes of recent G7 and NATO summits, emphasising the need for international cooperation to address security threats including Iran's nuclear programme and supporting Ukraine. He highlighted Britain's commitment to increasing defence spending and its role in global alliances such as NATO and the trans-Pacific partnership.
Kemi Badenoch
Con
North West Essex
Criticised the Prime Minister for his weak stance on international affairs, noting that Britain has been out of step with the US and Israel during recent conflicts in the Middle East. Emphasised the need for a strong UK response to Iran's nuclear threat and criticised the Government's lack of clarity on legal issues surrounding US strikes against Iran.
The Prime Minister responded to criticisms about the Chagos Islands deal, stating that it was supported by adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran. He clarified that China congratulated Mauritius on the deal but questioned whether China still views Britain as an adversary. The Prime Minister also addressed concerns over defence spending, asserting that Labour does not have a clear plan to reach 3% of GDP for defence. He emphasised the importance of unity with NATO allies and highlighted Britain's leadership role in supporting Ukraine.
A Labour member expressed concern over the Chagos Islands deal, suggesting it was flawed. They also questioned the Prime Minister's claim that China opposes the deal and urged for a debate on the legislation details. The Labour member welcomed the announcement about buying F-35A fighter jets but criticised the lack of clarity in funding additional defence spending.
The Conservative member acknowledged the UK's commitment to NATO and its role in securing peace for Ukraine. They criticised Labour’s past opposition to NATO and nuclear deterrent, highlighting that Conservatives are committed to increasing defence spending but questioned whether the additional 1.5% would be new funding or a reallocation of existing funds.
Emily Thornberry
Lab
Islington South and Finsbury
Ms. Thornberry praised the Prime Minister's leadership in calling for calm during recent conflicts and emphasised Britain’s soft power in diplomatic efforts, especially regarding Russian disinformation and cyber-attacks.
Ed Davey
LD
Kingston and Surbiton
Mr. Davey thanked the Prime Minister for his statement on the G7 and NATO meetings, urging him to address US protectionism and support increased military recruitment with a £10,000 bonus for recruits.
Member of Parliament
Not specified
Emphasises the need to increase support for Ukraine, including seizing Russian assets and bolstering defence spending. Cites Estonian ideas on asset seizure but acknowledges complexity. Questions Prime Minister about ceasefire in Gaza and recognition of Palestinian state.
Discusses trade challenges with US tariffs, supports NATO frontline states, commits to reversing Army cuts, and discusses the complexities of seizing Russian assets. Supports efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza but acknowledges uncertainty. Reiterates commitment to recognising Palestine at the right time.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Questions Prime Minister about the impact of defence spending on constituents, particularly with welfare cuts proposed. Highlights constituents' concern over rising costs despite the need for security.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Welcomes US and Israeli action against Iran's nuclear programme and questions whether snapback sanctions should be triggered to press Tehran on uranium enrichment cessation.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Questions the realism of increasing defence expenditure within current tax envelopes, suggesting a review of wealth taxation might be needed to ensure those who can bear the load contribute more heavily.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Advocates for revisiting spending reviews to support Home Office and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office budgets under interconnected defence-diplomacy-domestic security framework. Calls for reducing welfare costs to fund these functions.
Paul Waugh
Lab/Co-op
Rochdale
Welcomes decision to send advanced air missiles to Ukraine, financed by Russian asset interest and emphasises Russia should pay the price for Putin's war.
Epsom and Ewell
Calls for more guidance and support for Britons regarding national resilience in light of the threat posed by Putin, suggesting a national resilience campaign.
Zubir Ahmed
Lab
Glasgow South West
Highlights Govan shipbuilding's importance to defence and economy. Urges SNP Government to support Scotland’s defence sector for jobs and prosperity.
Rishi Sunak
Con
Richmond and Northallerton
Urges the SNP to support defence spending, criticises the SNP's stance against nuclear deterrent at a time of high volatility.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Asks if the Prime Minister added his voice to congratulate President Trump for military strike on Iran’s nuclear programme during NATO summit.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Welcomes PM's statement, prioritises defence spending, requests assurance for intelligence services' support from increased defence budget.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Critiques PM’s unfunded spending commitments and justifies moral argument against removing welfare from disabled people while increasing defence spending.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Acknowledges importance of working with NATO allies to defend nation, questions the wellbeing focus on armed forces personnel both at home and abroad.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Welcomes commitment from NATO for 3.5% core defence spending by 2035 but requests public spending plans beyond 2030 to meet this target.
Rachael Maskell
Lab/Co-op
York Central
Emphasises the importance of diplomacy in preventing and de-escalating risks for long-term security, questions on discussions regarding Sudan and Gaza ceasefire.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questions if President Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin is cooling post-NATO summit unity.
Alan Gemmell
Lab
Central Ayrshire
Critiques the Leader of the Opposition's stance on inability to afford defence commitments, suggesting it does not keep the country safe.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Questions discussion about humanitarian aid provision in Gaza.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Strongly welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement on defence spending, emphasising its historic nature and commitment to country’s security.
Ayoub Khan
Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Questions legality of US-Israeli strike against Iran and seeks clarification from PM about his support for these actions.
Calvin Bailey
Lab
Leyton and Wanstead
Acknowledges the need to reinvest in security, emphasising threats faced due to under-investment over past decades.
The issue of Ukraine's stolen children was raised. The Prime Minister responded by stating the importance of returning Ukrainian children and that discussions on this matter are ongoing with allies.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Asked about the Prime Minister’s discussion of international law at recent summits, particularly regarding US sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Emphasised the importance of a rules-based order and questioned whether President Trump was persuaded to lift sanctions.
Nesil Caliskan
Lab
Barking
Inquired about UK’s efforts in dialogue with Poland and Baltic states regarding their security concerns. The Prime Minister responded positively, noting regular engagement and the importance of these nations’ security to UK.
Tom Gordon
LD
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Welcomed increased defence spending but raised concern about future cuts to official development assistance budget for funding defence. The Prime Minister affirmed his commitment to raising the overseas aid back up to 0.7%.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Welcomed the Government’s commitment to strengthening national security, specifically in honouring veterans' service and supporting their needs such as accommodation and support services for homelessness.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Agreed with the Prime Minister on keeping partisan politics out of national security discussions. Inquired about potential widening of Magnitsky legislation, JEF partnership for Ukraine and support from US in sanctions.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
Compared past Labour Government's defence spending to current situation, questioned where the funding comes from amid economic challenges. The Prime Minister highlighted record investment in economy with £120 billion and fastest growth in G7.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
Welcomed increase in defence spending but questioned the source of funds given continuing economic challenges. The Prime Minister responded by highlighting record investment, interest rate cuts, and GDP growth.
Chris McDonald
Lab
Stockton North
Complimented the Prime Minister for leadership shown during recent events and asked about contribution of businesses in defence supply chain to national mission. The PM responded positively on jobs creation through increased spending.
David Reed
Con
Exmouth and Exeter East
Asked about proposed in-service date for 12 F-35A nuclear-capable fast jets. The Prime Minister noted ongoing discussions with allies and commitment to the capability.
Peter Prinsley
Lab
Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket
Asked about importance of BBC World Service in soft power diplomacy, to which the PM agreed and emphasised the strength of UK's diplomatic power.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Sought commitment from Prime Minister for leveraging RAF Wyton as a Ministry of Defence trailblazer site to build a defence technology cluster in Huntingdon, aiming to create technical jobs and new defence capability.
Alice Macdonald
Lab/Co-op
Norwich North
Welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on international humanitarian law and urged him to champion it, particularly in relation to Gaza, Sudan, and other conflict zones.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Asked the Prime Minister why the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has not been proscribed despite calls from both sides of the House for years.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Praised the Prime Minister's work on reaching a new 5% target and suggested that a Labour Government could help found a multilateral defence development bank to ensure this target is met by mid-2030s.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Critiqued the SNP's stance on nuclear weapons, noting their opposition to firms involved in making ordnance, and asked what can be done against fifth columnists who threaten British security.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Welcomed the Prime Minister’s statement about international co-operation and emphasised that national security requires strong armed forces and economy backed by diplomacy.
Nick Timothy
Con
West Suffolk
Asked the Prime Minister to categorically state that China must be kept out of all critical infrastructure, including wind turbines and solar panels, given evidence about Chinese-made cellular internet modules and kill switches.
Aylesbury
Thanked the Prime Minister for his commitment to keeping the country safe through diplomacy and asked him to reaffirm his commitment to international aid in preventing humanitarian crises globally.
Bradley Thomas
Con
Bromsgrove
Welcomed the increase in defence spending but questioned how it will be financed given that the Conservative party cannot agree on a small reduction in the welfare bill.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Asked about opportunities for Scotland-based defence and aerospace industries from increased spending, expressing concern over the SNP’s disjointed defence policy.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Asked whether discussions were held with the US to cut off the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ensure a successful bombing of Iran's nuclear programme, and secure peace in the Middle East.
Glasgow West
Inquired about prospects for Israel allowing UN and other humanitarian organisations to resume food distribution in Gaza, following discussions at NATO summit.
Chris Webb
Lab
Blackpool South
Asked the Prime Minister to ensure that increased defence spending creates well-paid jobs on the Fylde coast for local youth seeking employment.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Thanked the Prime Minister for his statement and for visiting Harlow and Downs primary school, which received an excellent Ofsted report. Emphasised the importance of working together with one voice and all NATO allies to achieve sustainable peace in various regions such as the Middle East, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Government Response
Defends government’s commitment to defence spending increase, rebuts critiques against unfunded commitments, assures support for intelligence services and armed forces' wellbeing.
Shadow Response
Mrs Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Response
Delivered a critical response to the Prime Minister's statement, highlighting Britain’s perceived lack of influence and decisive action on the international stage. Critiqued the Government for its unclear stance on legal issues concerning US strikes against Iran and questioned the effectiveness of UK diplomacy. Ms. Thornberry praised the Prime Minister's leadership in calling for calm during recent conflicts and emphasised Britain’s soft power in diplomatic efforts, especially regarding Russian disinformation and cyber-attacks.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.