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Ukraine Support (ERA) Bill - Clause 1
20 November 2024
Lead MP
Darren Jones
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Ukraine
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Darren Jones raised concerns about ukraine support (era) bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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 amendment seeks the authority of Parliament to spend £2.26 billion on military support for Ukraine through the G7 extraordinary revenue acceleration loans scheme, which is aimed at providing Ukraine with $50 billion in funding from the EU's immobilised Russian assets profits. It emphasises that this Bill is crucial for unlocking UK’s contribution and facilitating disbursement of funds to Ukraine as quickly as possible.
Darren Jones
Lab
Bristol North West
He argues that the Bill is essential for providing military support for Ukraine, which includes training over 47,000 Ukrainian military personnel and supplying Challenger 2 main battle tanks. He highlights that the UK’s commitment to Ukraine's defence amounts to £12.8 billion since February 2022. The funding through the ERA scheme will be repaid from profits on sanctioned Russian assets held in the EU.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Supports the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, highlighting the UK's significant financial and military support for Ukraine since 2022. Emphasises the importance of continuing this support alongside allies, mentioning specific contributions like £12 billion in aid. Questions the Government about loan disbursements timing, asset seizures' value, repayment forecasts, contingencies if peace is achieved, and Labour's stance on defence spending.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Supports the Bill as a step towards unlocking frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s benefit. Highlights potential shortfalls in international military aid to Ukraine, urging robust responses against escalating Russian rhetoric. Calls for transparency on UK-held Russian assets and immediate release of seized funds, such as those from Chelsea FC sale, for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
James MacCleary
Lib Dem
Lewes
Ukraine is entering its toughest winter since Russia's invasion, and the Bill represents significant financial support. James supports the intent of the Bill but believes it does not go far enough by suggesting the UK should seize all frozen Russian assets to redirect them to Ukraine. He cites £22 billion worth of such assets currently held in the UK. James also calls for a special tribunal to prosecute those responsible for Russia’s war and urges the Government to lead in military, diplomatic, and humanitarian measures. The Liberal Democrats advocate for restoring the 0.7% gross national income target for international development spending and closing economic crime legislation loopholes that allow Putin's allies to funnel dirty money through the UK.
Amber Valley
Made a maiden speech highlighting the history and current status of Amber Valley, emphasising its industrial heritage and economic diversification. Acknowledged the community's resilience and support for local businesses such as Thorntons Chocolates, Denby Pottery, Bowmer & Kirkland, Berry Recycling, National Gas, and David Nieper. Emphasised the importance of youth services and initiatives like those provided by James at Ayup in Alfreton and Chrissy and Mikey at Old Farm Bus in Ripley Marehay. Mentioned her father's journey from a coalminer to a bricklayer and his current struggle with dementia. Supported efforts to improve carer’s allowance and advocated for a national care service. Highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Supports the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill, highlighting its importance in security, defence, and foreign affairs. Emphasises that Russia's violation of international law necessitates the repurposing of frozen Russian assets not just for profits but also for principal. Advocates for collaboration with EU partners to confiscate all Russian assets and support Ukraine financially.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Supports the Bill, noting its importance in sustaining UK's support for Ukraine. Questions the Minister about seizing frozen Russian assets beyond just interest and clarifies whether the loan is non-recourse.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
The MP emphasises that the Bill is crucial for aiding Ukraine, which fights for democracy and liberty in Europe. He supports the Bill but suggests it does not go far enough with regards to arms and financial support. Gethins also calls for unfreezing $300 billion of frozen assets held by Russia and encourages closer scrutiny on sanctions effectiveness and foreign funding through London.
Tim Roca
Lab
Macclesfield
Roca supports the Bill, arguing that it is crucial for Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression. He discusses the potential change in US support and calls for European leadership to step up. Roca also criticises the slow delivery of arms and urges for more immediate support, including the use of Russian assets.
Mike Martin
Lib Dem
Tunbridge Wells
He congratulates other MPs on their maiden speeches and welcomes the Minister’s speech. He supports the Bill, emphasising that it fulfils a G7 commitment made before the recent US election but argues for stronger measures in light of changing geopolitical dynamics due to potential withdrawal of American support. Martin highlights the importance of NATO's reliance on American security guarantees and discusses possible consequences if Ukraine faces reduced or withdrawn US support, including territorial division, military collapse, refugee crises, and broader implications such as nuclear proliferation threats from Iran and China.
Jacob Collier
Lab
Burton and Uttoxeter
Collier starts by congratulating a fellow MP on their maiden speech. He strongly supports the Bill, emphasising its importance for the UK’s support of Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's invasion. He argues that the bill is morally right and crucial for Britain's national interest, supporting freedom and democracy. Collier rejects any form of appeasement or concessions to Putin, highlighting the substantial financial aid provided by the UK (£3 billion annually) and additional funding from immobilised Russian assets (£2.3 billion). He also mentions the £2.26 billion contribution to the G7’s loan scheme for Ukraine's defence.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Congratulates his colleague on her maiden speech and highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasising the need for additional funding to support Ukraine's defence. Cites the Bill's provision of £2.26 billion funded by immobilised Russian sovereign assets without burdening British taxpayers. Supports the UK military aid programme (Operation Interflex) and mentions local efforts in Rushcliffe supporting Ukrainians.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Supports the Bill, highlighting its additional £2.26 billion funding for Ukraine's defence on top of existing commitments. Praises previous Government support for Ukraine and emphasises the importance of standing together against Putin’s aggression. Acknowledges local efforts in Gateshead and Whickham to welcome Ukrainian refugees.
Dave Robertson
Lab
Lichfield
Congratulates a colleague on her maiden speech, reflecting on the importance of defending democracy. Acknowledges local support for Ukrainians in his constituency and stresses Ukraine's role as Europe’s eastern flank against autocracy. Supports the Bill to provide further aid to Ukraine.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Commends all speakers and particularly Linsey Farnsworth for her maiden speech. Acknowledges comprehensive support for the Bill but expresses reservations about seizing assets, suggesting the move would be a large step without strong Government convincing. Urges the Minister to provide details on the timetable for the Bill's completion.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Praises the unity of support across the House for Ukraine. Outlines plans to begin spending funds early next year in three equal tranches over three financial years. Details how UK will be repaid through profits from immobilised Russian sovereign assets in EU. Reiterates commitment to NATO’s 2.5% GDP defence spending target. Provides statistics on frozen Russian assets and addresses asset seizure concerns.
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