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Ukraine Update
05 September 2022
Lead MP
Ben Wallace
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Ben Wallace 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 Minister of State for Defence, Ben Wallace, provided an update on the progress in Ukraine since the House rose for recess. He reported that Ukrainian forces had made significant advances during a counter-offensive around Kherson and Kryvyi Rih, inflicting serious damage on Russian logistical support through strategic fires. The UK has supplied military aid worth £2.3 billion to date, including three M270 guided multiple-launch rocket system platforms since July. Additionally, the UK is training 10,000 Ukrainians in various camps across Europe, with over 4,700 already trained. The minister emphasised that international partners have pledged up to €420 million for Ukraine’s defence through a conference co-chaired by Denmark and the UK in Copenhagen. He stressed the commitment of the Government to support Ukraine's long-term security needs.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Although the commitment to 3% of GDP on defence is welcome, 2030 is further away in time than the entire duration of the second world war. It would be nice to see that commitment implemented a little sooner. Can you confirm that extra expenditure on replenishing arms supplies for Ukraine comes from Treasury reserve funds? What steps are we taking to ensure Russian people understand the failure of Putin’s campaign?
Minister reply
In response, Ben Wallace stated that Russia cannot ignore the long and continued train of bodies returning home due to misleading state information. Regarding defence funding, some of the £2.3 billion is for replacing gifted equipment from UK stocks. The minister assured that they plan replacements in advance to avoid sacrificing too many of their own stocks.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Central Ayrshire
Question
Expressed concern over unity among European nations starting to crack as winter approaches, despite successful Ukrainian resistance against Russian forces. Emphasised that the best way to end this war is by recalling all Russian troops from Ukraine and maintaining sanctions. Asked about measures to withstand an information war.
Minister reply
Reiterated the importance of standing together against Russia and emphasised the unity seen in international support, including recent pledges of €420 million and plans for more. Acknowledged the impact on constituents but stressed that Russian aggression is a major factor behind rising gas prices.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Question
Acknowledged Turkey's role in getting grain out. Asked for reiteration of UK support to investigations into war crimes committed by Russian forces, including the mutilation of prisoners of war.
Minister reply
Confirmed ongoing assistance from the UK to international prosecutors and other countries like Canada in gathering evidence for the International Criminal Court. Stressed the scale of atrocities being witnessed and acknowledged the resignation of Lord Harrington, praising his work on refugee settlement.
Catherine West
Lab
Hornsey and Friern Barnet
Question
Asked about plans to extend the Homes for Ukraine scheme beyond its initial phase, given challenges in the private rented sector.
Minister reply
Acknowledged imperfections but praised the scheme's success, committing to urging extension of the programme. Emphasised the need for cross-government support to ensure refugees are not left homeless.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Question
Pressed on lessons learned about dormant supply chains and their impact on the credibility of deterrent capability, highlighting concerns over hollowed-out armed forces.
Minister reply
Admitted that saving money in areas like ammunition stocks can lead to problems. Emphasised need for proper logistics and maintenance of industry relationships. Highlighted investments in skills training.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Expressed anger at false claims linking EU to Russian invasion or fascism in Ukraine, noting Russia's aggression since 2014. Criticised tier 1 visa scheme for sanctioned individuals.
Minister reply
Agreed with the hon. Member on criticism of tier 1 visa scheme and acknowledged past failures in addressing Russian threats. Acknowledged concerns about EU role but stressed ongoing need to review visa policies.
Question
I welcome the news that we have trained nearly 5,000 Ukrainians through Operation Interflex. What assessment has my right hon. Friend had from Ukraine about the effectiveness and usefulness of the training? May I also ask him about the capacity of training: are we training the numbers that Ukraine wants us to train and is he seeking further partner nations if this capacity could be expanded?
Minister reply
There are two parts to the training. First, can Ukraine release enough training population? It obviously needs people for it to carry out the fight—we can only train what we get. We are always pressing to do more, and we have plenty of capacity to do more.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
I know the Secretary of State will have had a good reason for mentioning 3 Scots, but I hope that he recognises the contribution of the Irish Guards in the training. Over the summer, I was talking to a friend who was very proud of the role that the Irish Guards were playing.
I thought that Olena Zelenska made a very powerful contribution yesterday. There are concerns about boredom, lethargy and support right across the western world as this conflict drags on. Her juxtaposition between counting the pennies as opposed to counting the casualties powerfully spoke to many of us who want to ensure that our support is enduring and lasts as long as it needs to last. I ask the Secretary of State to bear in mind that there are supporters right across this Chamber who want to ensure that the public do not lose interest and continue to recognise the goal that we all seek.
Minister reply
Yes. I understand—and the hon. Gentleman, from the part of the world in which he lives, will also understand—the cost of standing up for freedom, the rule of law and doing the right thing.
Question
I commend the continued leadership that the Secretary of State and his team have shown over the past few months. It is particularly important to help stiffen the resolve of our European partners because we are in this for the long haul. On that basis, there has been speculation by recently retired generals that, given that this could drag on and that Putin sees little prospect of winning, he may resort to using battlefield nuclear weapons. What is the Secretary of State’s assessment of that possibility and what does he think the response of NATO would and should be?
Minister reply
We do not hide from the fact that Russian military doctrine involves the use of tactical nuclear weapons under certain conditions—that is public knowledge.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Question
The jury is not out. Our friends are our European allies, and our foe is Putin’s regime and the illegal invasion of Ukraine. Maintaining western unity is really crucial, but each western country is facing the same economic problems of rising inflation and rising energy costs. What is the Secretary of State’s strategy for maintaining that unity in the many years ahead?
Minister reply
All of us have come together more times in the last six months than we probably have in the last four years, and I have said that I am off to the US airbase at Ramstein on Thursday to meet some 40 nations that it has convened on many occasions.
Question
I heard the Secretary of State’s answer to my hon. Friend the Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Tim Loughton) on nuclear weapons, but is he aware that President Lukashenko recently announced that he has completely refitted the Belarus air force to be able to carry nuclear weapons? What effect does the Secretary of State think that will have on the Ukraine war?
Minister reply
Yes, I saw those statements by the President of Belarus. He has been remarkably canny in not entering his own forces into the war, although we have often seen Russian munitions launched from the territory of Belarus.
Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
During my time as my party’s defence spokesman, the Secretary of State and his ministerial team have treated all my questions and inquiries with great courtesy. I thank them for that, and I wish them all the best for the future. Equally, last week, I and my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Richard Foord) had an excellent briefing from the MOD as the handover between him and me takes place. Will the Secretary of State pass on our thanks to his officials as well?
Napoleon’s Grande Armée and Hitler’s Wehrmacht fell foul of the Russian winter, and the rest is history. Will the Secretary of State explain what we are doing to help our friends in Ukraine to train for a brutal and severe Russian winter? It can have a massive impact on tactics and strategy unless we are prepared for it.
Minister reply
The first thing to say is that the Ukrainians are as tough, if not tougher. A Ukrainian winter and a Russian winter are pretty similar, and their history shows that they are pretty good at dealing with them.
Luke Evans
Con
Hinckley and Bosworth
Question
Will the Black sea initiative, which the Secretary of State spoke about, allow materials such as ammonia to come out of Ukraine? I gather from reporting that the initiative will only be in place for 120 days if all parties agree. Is there a contingency plan for ensuring that in the depths of winter there is a secure food supply?
Minister reply
I will have to write to my hon. Friend on what individual cargoes are available, but he is right that there is currently a time limit on the initiative.
Question
Is the Secretary of State aware that some of us on the Opposition side of the House were a bit worried that he might have become leader of the Conservative party? I congratulate him on his determination to remain Secretary of State for Defence, and he will certainly have the support of many of us for the way he has handled that job in recent months. First, I wish to press him on the role of the BBC World Service in getting good news out around the world. It is a vital component and should be encouraged. Secondly, is the Royal Navy playing a full part? He mentioned it in passing, but we recently had the embarrassment of one of our new aircraft carriers breaking down, so is everything all right with the Royal Navy and is it able to play its part?
Minister reply
In the next few days HMS Queen Elizabeth, the other carrier, will depart to fulfil the duties of HMS Prince of Wales, which shows one of the benefits of having a second carrier.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Cherwell
Question
Commends the Defence Secretary for his response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and asks whether Royal Navy's expertise in mine counter-measures has been shared with Ukrainian navy.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the expertise of UK's mine-clearing capabilities and confirms Ukrainians are being trained in Portsmouth; also working with other Black sea nations, though military ships cannot be put into the Black sea due to Montreux treaty.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Question
Asks about preparations for updating the integrated review and whether there will be no cuts to capability in the interim.
Minister reply
Notes Army size is currently around 79,000; no reduction from 82,000 as such. Will engage with Members on spending money to improve armed forces globally.
Question
Asks about efforts to inform Russian population of events in Ukraine.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the difficulty in reaching Russians through state-controlled media but mentions ongoing efforts and the impact on Russian people due to war's effects.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Asks about plans for taking forward IAEA report recommendations regarding Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
Minister reply
States Russia does not care much about the risks; mentions the importance of international forums and media tools like BBC World Service in spreading information.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Asks about efforts to oppose Russia's weaponisation of energy.
Minister reply
Urges investment in renewables and alternative energy supplies; mentions capping Russian oil prices and encouraging India to be more strident.
Question
Asks whether the Government will examine cutting Army by 10,000.
Minister reply
Commits to examining force laydown and required size of forces; mentions need for long-range artillery and anti-air capability.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Asks about changes in training and support as Ukrainians move from defensive to offensive postures.
Minister reply
Confirms curriculum has become more offensive; mentions need for tourniquets due to modern warfare conditions; emphasises the importance of continuing aid to Ukraine.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Commends the Secretary of State for his strength and support for Ukraine, inquires about immediate steps to ensure Ukraine's independence from Russian forces, and asks if he will continue to garner western countries' support against Russia.
Minister reply
Responds by emphasising the importance of unity within the House, mentions a postponed fake referendum in Kherson allegedly due to security reasons, and states that helping Ukraine retake Kherson is a key step.
Shadow Comment
Julian Lewis
Shadow Comment
The shadow minister questioned the timeline for reaching a 3% defence budget commitment, suggesting that it should be implemented sooner than planned. He also inquired about additional funding from the Treasury reserve to replenish arms supplies given to Ukraine and asked how the UK is ensuring Russian people are aware of Putin’s campaign failures.
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