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Ukraine
28 February 2024
Lead MP
Andrew Mitchell
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineEconomyTaxation
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Andrew Mitchell raised concerns about ukraine 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:
Government Statement
Putin's initial assumption that he could easily conquer Ukraine was proven wrong due to Ukraine's resilience and international support. Despite losses, Russia continues its illegal war which has united Europe against it. The UK introduced over 50 new sanctions targeting arms manufacturers, electronics companies, diamond and oil traders sustaining Putin’s illegal war effort; the total sanctioned entities now stand at 2,000 including banks covering more than 90% of Russian banking sector and 130 oligarchs worth £147 billion pre-invasion. The UK signed a military support package valued at £2.5 billion, with £200 million committed to drone production for Ukraine. The government also emphasised the need for increased European defence production and continued international cooperation to ensure Russia's defeat. Additionally, the statement highlighted concerns regarding Russian repression and the tragic death of Alexei Navalny.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
When will the Foreign Secretary take questions from Members on both sides of the House?
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Can you confirm whether there have been zero enforcement measures for post-February 2022 sanctions breaches in relation to Russia, and update on effectiveness of sanctions against Belarus?
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Why will the Government not commit to reviewing sanctions on Russia considering every individual on the full Navalny list? Why no support for Labour's calls to back an international anti-corruption court and whistleblower reward scheme?
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
Why won't the Government finally turn rhetoric on seizure into action after 250 days of Labour's motion to require legislation for Russian state assets' seizure and repurposing?
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
What are the steps being taken by Ministers regarding Vladimir Kara-Murza’s case before it is too late?
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Question
I thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement, but once again, the shadow Cabinet Minister for international development is updating the House on one of the most important foreign policy issues of our time. I did not get a clear answer yesterday, so I will ask him again: when will the Foreign Secretary take questions from Members on both sides of the House?
Minister reply
I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for the cross-party support that he has given to what I have said. He is quite right to ask piercing questions, but the fact remains that the House is united on this issue, meaning that Britain speaks with one voice and with great effectiveness.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Question
I welcome the deputy Foreign Secretary’s focus on the progress that Ukraine has made against overwhelming odds in the face of one of the biggest militaries in the world. I have just returned from Ukraine with the hon. Member for Glasgow South, and while there, it was my honour to meet some of the soldiers who were gravely injured last summer defending Avdiivka.
Minister reply
I thank the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee very much for her perceptive and wise comments. To take her last point first, she is of course absolutely right that we are hoping Congress will follow the lead by passing the relevant Bills swiftly, following its return from recess.
Brendan O'Hara
SNP
Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Question
Welcoming the UK's support for Ukraine, Brendan expresses concern about complacency in allied countries and asks about using frozen Russian assets to assist war victims. He also enquires about monitoring breaches of international law and war crimes.
Minister reply
The Minister affirms Britain’s consistent support and commitment against complacency, mentioning ongoing efforts such as the European Peace Facility for military funding and setting up an International Fund for Ukraine which has raised over £1 billion. Concerning frozen Russian assets, he notes frustration about delays but asserts that every effort is being made to utilise them quickly.
Question
Raab inquires about the UK’s readiness against AI-based election disruption from Russia.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the concern and states that other Ministers will provide a detailed update on measures to protect democracy.
Question
Bradshaw criticises self-preening British politicians who support Trump, implying this aids Putin.
Minister reply
The Minister affirms efforts to persuade US Congress for Ukrainian support and references the Foreign Secretary’s work in Washington.
Maldon
Question
Whittingdale asks about progress on using frozen Russian assets (£350 billion) for Ukraine's reconstruction.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms ongoing discussions and highlights previous commitments such as £250 million capital injection and a £500 million loan guarantee through the World Bank.
Question
McDonald backs Bradshaw’s comments, stressing the importance of rapid delivery of weapons to Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister confirms efforts towards faster and better support from allies, highlighting recent increases in European aid.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Jenkin questions the rapid dismissal of President Macron’s suggestion about direct deployment to Ukraine by NATO or French troops.
Minister reply
The Minister reiterates NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's stance that there are no plans for NATO combat troops in Ukraine.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Question
Foord raises concerns about UK-exported dual-use equipment possibly ending up in Russia via Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, etc.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the point and confirms steps to close down loopholes for sanction circumvention through measures like individual ship sanctions.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
On those who are circumventing sanctions through third countries, does the Minister of State believe that current penalties for breaching sanctions are sufficient? If not, when might new legislation be brought forward to increase penalties and make public breaches?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Mr Pritchard for his support regarding Vladimir Kara-Murza and confirmed that 11 individuals have been sanctioned, including those involved in Mr Kara-Murza’s poisoning. He stated that while the government prosecutes people who break sanctions laws whenever possible, it is also seeking to ensure that the sanctions regime remains effective and all-encompassing.
Sammy Wilson
DUP
East Antrim
Question
The Government's work in sending military aid and support to Ukraine was acknowledged. What steps are being taken to stop those inadvertently breaking sanctions, release funds frozen due to sanctions, and encourage other European countries to deliver promised military aid?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Mr Wilson for his support and confirmed that the government is making the sanctions regime more effective and sophisticated by closing down loopholes. He mentioned that this has denied the Russian war machine around $400 billion, which is approximately four years of running costs for the war.
Question
Given the role of international support for Ukraine, what particular discussions are being had about enabling increased production of drones to be used offensively against Russian forces and about technical countermeasures?
Minister reply
The Minister thanked Mr Foster for his remarks and confirmed that the government has launched a highly effective drones strategy. He emphasised the importance and effectiveness of drones and drone technology in the ongoing war efforts.
Question
What conversations have the Minister had with Companies House and HMRC to close loopholes used for sanctions evasion? Also, what diplomatic efforts are being made to reunite Ukrainian families forcibly removed by Russia?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that conversations are ongoing with Companies House and HMRC to address sanctions evasion. He also stated that discussions are frequently held with the International Red Cross to facilitate family reunions.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Will the Government intensify work ahead of July’s NATO summit in Washington to result in a stronger alliance and more support for Ukraine?
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that the government will do everything possible to strengthen the NATO alliance and provide more support for Ukraine. He also mentioned initiatives such as British International Investment joining with the World Bank's IFC to facilitate trade finance, a $500 million UK loan guarantee via the World Bank, and efforts towards laying foundations for Ukraine’s long-term future.
Shadow Comment
David Lammy
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Cabinet Minister echoed support for Ukraine but criticised the lack of clarity on Foreign Secretary’s availability to MPs for questions. He praised military and financial support from the Conservative Government while stressing the need for increased European cooperation. David Lammy inquired about UK-EU security ties, discussions with NATO counterparts regarding Ukraine's membership pathway, enforcement measures for sanctions against Russia, and efforts towards seizing Russian state assets.
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Assessment & feedback
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