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Ukraine Update
26 January 2023
Lead MP
Alex Chalk
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefenceChildren & Families
Other Contributors: 20
At a Glance
Alex Chalk raised concerns about ukraine update 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
The UK remains committed to providing military support to Ukraine, focusing on equipping Ukrainian forces to push Russian troops out of occupied territories. On January 16th, the Secretary of State for Defence announced new military aid packages that include tanks and other equipment critical for combat operations. The UK has led in donating modern main battle tanks and is coordinating with international partners through meetings such as the Tallinn pledge and Ramstein airbase gatherings. Germany’s decision to send Leopard 2 tanks and the US's Abrams tanks, along with those from France and Poland, significantly bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. Training for Ukrainian troops with British Challenger 2 tanks will begin next week, with deployment expected by late March. The UK pledges continued support, including restocking supplies and training, affirming its resolve to stand with Ukraine.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Question
The UK remains united in its support for Ukraine. The first package of UK military assistance in 2023 includes tanks, artillery, infantry vehicles, ammunition, and missiles. Labour welcomes the announcements from Germany, the US, France, and Poland about sending tanks and granting export licences to others, as this provides vital equipment at a pivotal moment. Training with Challenger 2 tanks begins next week; deployment is expected by late March. The conflict depletes stockpiles, so steps are being taken to restock UK and Ukrainian arsenals.
Minister reply
Training for Ukrainian troops with British Challenger 2 tanks will start next Monday. Deployment on the frontline is planned for the end of March. Funding has been secured for further support in 2023, including additional artillery shells. Restocking efforts are underway, though details cannot be disclosed due to operational sensitivities. The Integrated Review will be recalibrated considering Russia's threat and may include a review of tank fleet size.
Tobias Ellwood
Con
Bournemouth East
Question
Welcomes the update and acknowledges that Putin's actions represent a serious threat to Europe, questioning the state of UK land forces with tank numbers dropping from 900 two decades ago to just 148 today.
Minister reply
Agrees on the need for addressing Putin’s threat through support for Ukraine; clarifies tank number as 227 and mentions future soldier programme to rebuild armed forces.
Owen Thompson
Lab
Ceredigion
Question
Welcomes steps taken but expresses concerns over time required for troop mobilisation, asks about further shipment of Challenger 2 tanks beyond the initial squadron, and inquires about NATO collaboration and fighter jet considerations.
Minister reply
Reiterates importance of training and maintenance; outlines five-week course for maintenance crews and deep support system; notes 70+ tanks provided by UK so far and encourages other countries like Spain to consider similar actions.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Asks about steps to reduce the effectiveness of the Wagner organisation and whether all expenditure is being reimbursed from Treasury reserve.
Minister reply
Confirms reimbursement by Treasury; states £650 million allocated for ammunition procurement; notes that decisions on deployment are tactical and commander-led.
Kevan Jones
Lab
North Durham
Question
Critiques the brevity of the Minister's statement, reiterates concerns over Army capability hollowing out due to donations, questioning how fewer than 100 operational Challenger tanks will meet NATO commitments.
Minister reply
Acknowledges importance of degrading adversary forces; assures additional hulls brought to greater readiness state for UK’s overall land fleet.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
I thank my hon. and learned Friend for the UK Government's exemplary leadership in this matter, but what discussions are taking place with France? The side that can mass its forces quickly will win; should we not send all our Warrior vehicles now?
Minister reply
France is providing the AMX-10 tank, which while not their main battle tank, was recently used for reconnaissance. We must balance rapid deployment of tanks with maintaining UK sovereign capability and defence needs.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Echoing concerns about the state of our land forces, will additional deployments be funded by Treasury rather than MOD?
Minister reply
Yes, the financial support provided to Ukraine is substantial and comes from the Treasury. We also provide ammunition, spares, and technical support for Challenger 2 tanks.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Will we not lose sight of basic kit required in day-to-day conflict?
Minister reply
We will provide winter kits, night-vision goggles, medicines, and other equipment necessary for daily operations.
David Mundell
Con
Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Question
Basic kit.
Minister reply
Essential basic kits such as winter gear are important to ensure Ukrainian troops do not suffer from cold.
Question
What discussions have Ministers had with international partners about maintaining heavy armour provided to Ukraine?
Minister reply
We are ensuring that tank crews and maintenance teams are trained, and we provide supplies for sustained operations. We also want to help the Ukrainians become self-sufficient in maintaining their equipment.
Question
Will BAE Systems workers be recognised for their hard work delivering turrets? Will we cannibalise some tanks temporarily for spares?
Minister reply
We have identified the necessary spares and are providing them alongside the tanks. We will also assist in training Ukrainians to independently maintain and supply spare parts.
Valerie Vaz
Lab
Walsall and Bloxwich
Question
Does the Minister agree we should strongly support NATO’s Secretary-General's comments about ending Russian tyranny?
Minister reply
Yes, this is a war of invasion and aggression; the UK will always stand up for international law and justice.
Question
Will we reassure constituents that we are encouraging other countries to step up their support?
Minister reply
The UK sets an example with significant capabilities and expects others to follow our lead as they have done.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
What role is the UK playing in coordinating efforts so that supplies match needs on the ground?
Minister reply
The UK leads coordination through meetings like Tallinn and Ramstein, ensuring that basic necessities such as winter kits are provided alongside main battle tanks.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Question
At Christmas, I launched a campaign to raise money for generators in Ukraine. We have raised nearly £18,000 and gathered 94 generators to be sent there. Will the Minister thank my constituents for their efforts?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend's constituents have done an admirable job. In addition to providing generators, they have opened their hearts and homes to people fleeing Ukraine. The UK has also provided additional military aid such as ambulances and Sea King search and rescue helicopters.
Barry Sheerman
Lab
Huddersfield
Question
Does the Minister agree with watching Norma Percy’s documentary on Putin to better understand Russia's actions? Additionally, can we ensure that civilians in Ukraine receive blankets, heat, and food this winter?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman is right about the importance of morale support for Ukrainians beyond military aid. Over £1 billion has been provided by the British Government for humanitarian assistance, including tens of thousands of sets of winter clothing.
Helen Morgan
Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Question
The Minister mentioned the Wagner Group's atrocities. Will he commit to proscribing military units and mercenary groups like the Wagner Group that are involved in human rights abuses?
Minister reply
Her point about the Wagner Group is under active consideration by the Government.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Question
Have the UK considered supplying drones to Ukraine, given that Russia uses Iranian-supplied drones extensively?
Minister reply
We have supplied drones and will continue to do so.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Has an assessment been made of long-term help for Ukraine beyond military support? The war is our battle, a fight for freedom and democracy.
Minister reply
The values of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law are uniting many free nations. While we are not participants in the conflict, we stand with Ukrainians fighting for principles. We will support them as long as it takes.
Shadow Comment
Rachel Hopkins
Shadow Comment
The Labour party supports the UK’s efforts in aiding Ukraine but calls for a long-term strategic plan rather than ad hoc announcements. The shadow minister welcomes recent developments, such as Germany sending Leopard 2 tanks and NATO allies’ coordinated efforts. She questions when Ukrainian troops will begin training with British Challenger 2 tanks and when these tanks will be deployed on the frontline. Hopkins emphasises the need to address depleted stockpiles by accelerating production of ammunition and equipment for both UK forces and Ukraine. Additionally, she urges the government to review the integrated defence review in light of current military demands and asks if reducing the tank fleet was a mistake.
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