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War in Ukraine Third Anniversary 2025-02-27
27 February 2025
Lead MP
Iain Duncan Smith
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Ukraine
Other Contributors: 45
At a Glance
Iain Duncan Smith raised concerns about war in ukraine third anniversary 2025-02-27 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 House has considered the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine. Emphasises unity in support for Ukraine, highlights work by charity HopeFull feeding over 2.5 million Ukrainians and addressing combat stress issues. Raises concerns about Russian aggression, targeting civilians, and violations of international law. Calls for durable peace with justice for Ukraine.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Supports the invocation of Article 5 in NATO after 9/11 as an example of mutual defence pact importance. Mentions that the UK was the first to push for this during the US attack.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Questioned Sir Iain Duncan Smith about western leaders' reluctance to use frozen Russian state assets, expressing support for the idea that such capital should be seized and used for reparations.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Agreed with Sir Iain Duncan Smith on the need to seize Russian assets faster, emphasising the importance of this money not only for winning the war but also for rebuilding Ukraine post-conflict.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised that justice must be a part of any peace process with Russia, referencing atrocities committed by Russian forces in Ukraine and drawing parallels to Northern Ireland's peace process.
Bath
Acknowledged the importance of US presence in Europe during her lifetime and suggested reminding President Trump about this historical significance, while supporting the argument for a stable peace deal with Russia.
Chingford and Woodford Green
The Prime Minister needs to remind President Trump that when the UK and US come together for a just cause, the world is safer. The road to Taiwan runs through Ukraine due to Russia's actions, highlighting the importance of supporting Ukraine.
Amber Valley
Labour party's record on defence has been supportive of Ukraine. Welcomes increased spending commitment and further money allocated to intelligence agencies for threats from Russia. The UK has welcomed over 218,000 people fleeing the conflict.
Gosport
Pays tribute to the Ukrainian people and their bravery in facing new forms of warfare. Supports the Government's swift action in response to the invasion, including welcoming Ukrainians to Gosport.
Gosport
Emphasised the humanitarian aspect of the war by discussing visa extensions for Ukrainian refugees. She questioned the government’s planning for post-war scenarios and asked about future immigration policies for Ukrainians who have settled in the UK.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Supported the cross-party nature of support for Ukraine, highlighting the brutal reality of the conflict. He discussed the number of casualties, displacement, and violations of international law. Emphasised that peace guarantees must include a well-equipped Ukrainian military.
Discussed concerns over discussions at the Munich security conference and reaffirmed the importance of NATO in ensuring Ukraine's security.
Lewes
Focussed on the humanitarian impact, especially on children, and stressed the need for continued support from Britain and Europe. Advocated for seizing Russian assets to provide financial aid to Ukraine.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Highlighted the crucial role women are playing in Ukraine’s defence and economy. Mentioned over 50,000 women serving in Ukrainian army with one in ten holding senior positions. Emphasised the need for returning kidnapped children to their families as part of any peace deal.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Expressed support and solidarity for Ukrainian women's role in defending Ukraine, acknowledging their bravery and resilience. Did not provide additional policy proposals.
Solihull West and Shirley
Stressed the need to release frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine's rebuilding efforts and called for learning from Ukrainian military’s adaptability in medical exemptions. Advocated tailoring medical requirements based on specific roles rather than generic exclusions.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Congratulated Sir Iain Duncan Smith for securing the debate and acknowledged contributions made by other speakers. Did not provide additional policy proposals.
Chichester
Acknowledged the importance of supporting Ukraine but focused on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in the UK. She highlighted that Chichester has taken more Ukrainian refugees than any other city, and expressed concerns about visa extension difficulties affecting employment, housing, and education opportunities.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Expressed concern over the exclusion of time spent in the UK under the long residence route for Ukrainian refugees, which could hinder their ability to attain settled status. She highlighted the stress faced by single-parent families seeking rental accommodation.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Emphasised the global threat posed by Putin's regime, citing its involvement in conflicts beyond Ukraine, including North Korea’s assistance to Russia. She highlighted historical instances of Russian aggression, urging stronger international action against dictatorial regimes.
Richard Tice
Reform
Boston and Skegness
Emphasised 'peace through strength', advocating for increased defence spending to deter future aggression. Stood united with the House in support of Ukraine against Putin, recalling personal experiences from a visit where he met soldiers, drone technicians, and witnessed graves growing as conflict escalated.
Southend West and Leigh
Returned from Ukraine last night after a 24-hour journey. Experienced the war's impact firsthand, including nights in air raid shelters and meetings with frontline soldiers in Chernihiv who reported ongoing destruction and loss of life daily. Emphasised the gratitude Ukrainians have for UK support but highlighted significant mental health challenges developing among citizens.
Wendy Morton
Con
Aldridge-Brownhills
Paid tribute to her right hon. Friend Sir Iain Duncan Smith for providing a platform of solidarity against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Acknowledged UK's leadership in military aid, training troops, and increasing defence spending (2.5% by 2027). Welcomed Government commitment to £3 billion annual military aid until the decade’s end.
Peter Lamb
Lab
Crawley
Emphasised the need for Europe to mobilise against Russia's aggression, stating that without an American security guarantee, a European security guarantee is necessary. He highlighted the ongoing needs of Ukraine in terms of military and economic support, and urged the UK to play a central role in this new security framework.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
Acknowledged the humanitarian efforts in hosting Ukrainian refugees within his constituency. He cited UN figures on civilian casualties and war crimes, emphasising the importance of continued support for Ukraine to prevent further Russian aggression. He also discussed the need for long-term support for communities hosting refugees and European defence cooperation.
Jeevun Sandher
Lab
Loughborough
Stressed the necessity of reducing Russia's economic resources by seizing central bank assets, strengthening oil price caps, and enhancing export controls. He emphasised the need to convert Europe's greater economic power into military capabilities to deter further Russian aggression.
Dorking and Horley
Supports Ukraine's fight against Russia. Emphasises the need to convert economic strength into military power, urging closure of the spending gap between Russia and Ukraine’s allies. Recommends considering a new western alliance for mutual defence.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Urges solidarity with Ukraine, criticising Trump's proposed ceasefire. Highlights the importance of global institutions like the United Nations in maintaining international law and stability. Supports increased defence spending.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Supports Melanie Ward’s position, emphasising the need for accountability regarding chemical weapons use by Russia.
Shockat Adam
Ind
Leicester South
Calls for unwavering support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Criticises new world order dominated by powerful nations and supports smaller countries' rights to defend themselves.
Jas Athwal
Lab
Ilford South
Condemned imperialism and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, noting his own experience of delivering aid at the Ukrainian border. Emphasised the unity and resilience of the Ukrainian people despite Russian aggression.
Josh Dean
Lab
Hertford and Stortford
Paid tribute to local residents supporting Ukrainian families in his community, welcoming increased defence spending but calling for a balance with international aid. Highlighted the Prime Minister's call for Ukrainian sovereignty and support for deepening security ties.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concern over potential short memories of Russian atrocities, emphasising accountability through the International Criminal Court. Called for peace but stressed that crimes committed must not be forgotten.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Described a visit to Ukraine where he witnessed the defiance and resolve of the Ukrainian people despite ongoing Russian aggression. Noted their resilience in planning for future prosperity even as they fight daily for survival.
Melanie Ward
Con
Constituency Unspecified
Agrees that Russia's past behaviour necessitates security guarantees for Ukraine. Mentions growing up during the cold war and understanding geopolitical stability as a defining issue.
Graeme Downie
SNP
Edinburgh East
Supports increased defence spending and sees it as a floor, not ceiling. Emphasises the gravity of the moment, unity in the House to communicate reality to the public. Cites JFK's quote on peace being the product of many nations.
Andrew Lewin
Lab
Welwyn Hatfield
Commends the bravery of Ukraine’s President Zelensky and its people who defend their country. Criticises downplaying Putin’s aggression and supports a peace deal fully supported by Ukraine, Europe, and the US.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Emphasises the need for drone technology to help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Supports increasing defence spending beyond 2.5% of GDP. Mentions meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister and industry leaders.
Oliver Ryan
Ind
Burnley
Celebrates the unity shown by the House regarding Ukraine's plight. Highlights the brutality of Russian invasion, praising tenacity, fight, bravery, and leadership of Ukraine under Zelensky.
Laurence Turner
Lab
Birmingham Northfield
Expresses horror at Russian actions and emphasises the bravery of Ukrainians in fighting for their liberty. Praises UK Governments' support for Ukraine and highlights new bonds between Britain and Ukraine through military training and refugee support. Quotes Ukrainian voices to emphasise the need for a just peace, not occupation.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Calls for concrete steps to protect and defend Ukraine both now and in the future. Argues against a transactional approach to international relations, stressing the importance of upholding moral values alongside strategic interests. Emphasises the need to defend Ukraine's sovereignty and uphold the rules-based system.
Epsom and Ewell
Welcomes the opportunity to speak about supporting Ukraine but notes it is a debate they hoped would not be necessary. Supports seizing Russian assets for aid to Ukraine, arguing this upholds international law. Stresses that negotiations must involve Ukraine itself, rejecting backroom deals between major powers.
James Cartlidge
Con
South Suffolk
Cartlidge highlights the UK's support for Ukraine, including providing weapons to help avoid early capitulation. He argues that the Government should unlock domestic procurement and forge new joint lines of production with Ukrainian firms in the UK to boost defence industrial capacity. He also calls for leadership on industry and innovation across Europe.
Luke Pollard
Pollard acknowledges the importance of continuing support for Ukraine, noting the £4.5 billion in military assistance planned for this year and a total of £12.8 billion provided to date. He highlights the UK's commitment to train Ukrainian personnel and provide long-term military support.
Unnamed MP
Government
The UK has announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the cold war, aiming for 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2027 and setting a new benchmark for others to follow. We are also stepping up our collective support for Ukraine through trade delegations and discussions with NATO allies.
The debate sends a message of unity to the President of America, expressing that this House is united in its support for Ukraine. We need to ensure that any peace agreement includes freedom and justice. Sir Iain Duncan Smith quoted Churchill's appeal to the US during World War II, encouraging similar faith in Ukraine.
Government Response
Pollard emphasises the importance of continuing to stand with Ukraine, noting that over £12.8 billion has been provided in military assistance, including training over 51,000 Ukrainian personnel. He highlights the UK's commitment to spend £4.5 billion on military support this year and provide £3 billion a year for as long as it takes.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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