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Ukraine Update
09 March 2022
Lead MP
Ben Wallace
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 45
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 announced the UK's ongoing support for Ukraine following Russia's invasion on February 24, detailing the situation on the ground and the extent of Russian military involvement. He noted that despite initial overwhelming force, Russian troops faced morale issues and significant casualties, with only one objective successfully achieved so far. The UK has provided substantial military aid including 3,615 NLAWs and anti-tank javelin missiles, as well as humanitarian assistance totaling £220 million, with £120 million allocated for immediate needs. The minister emphasised continued diplomatic efforts and military support through NATO, highlighting increased readiness of British troops and naval forces in response to the crisis.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Ablethorpe
Question
Mr Wallace, you mentioned the provision of military aid from the UK. Can you elaborate on how this assistance is being coordinated with other NATO members to ensure maximum effectiveness?
Minister reply
The coordination is happening through established channels within NATO. We are ensuring that our contributions complement those of other member states and non-NATO countries, enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities effectively.
Ruth Cadbury
Lab
Brent North
Question
With the ongoing conflict leading to a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, could you provide more details on how the UK is supporting refugees fleeing from their homes?
Minister reply
We are working closely with partner countries like Poland and Romania to support refugees at border crossings. Additionally, we have offered MOD assistance to the Home Office if needed for managing this influx.
Gareth Johnson
Con
Dartford
Question
The statement highlighted significant military aid provided to Ukraine. Can you explain the criteria used by your department in deciding what equipment and weapons are donated?
Minister reply
Our decisions are guided by ensuring that we supply only defensive systems, as agreed by our government. The aim is to reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect itself from Russian aggression without escalating the conflict.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Question
Welcomed further military aid to Ukraine but urged quick action on Starstreak missiles. Asked if supplies come from UK stockpiles alone or if procurement from other countries is involved, and whether non-NATO nations have contributed weaponry or air forces.
Minister reply
Confirmed that supplies are initially taken from stockpile, replenished as necessary; also maintains basic level for own force protection in locations like Estonia. Over 90% of Russian forces on the border have been deployed to Ukraine.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Question
Inquired about assessment of Russia's rectification of initial logistics miscalculation, specifically the proportion of forces deployed into Ukraine.
Minister reply
Over 90% of Russian forces on the border have been committed to Ukraine; reports indicate desperation leading to potential use of Wagner Group mercenaries.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Question
Asked about UK’s response role within NATO, JEF contributions, and readiness of 1,000 UK troops on standby.
Minister reply
UK-led joint expeditionary force is active in Estonia; troops remain on standby but no requests for humanitarian assistance have been received.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Question
Asked if MOD's offer of help to the Home Office has been accepted, details about military personnel roles in assisting Ukrainian refugees.
Minister reply
MOD's offer has been accepted in principle; meeting scheduled with relevant departments to co-ordinate assistance for speeding up visa processes.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Question
Inquired about the publication of a national resilience strategy promised a year ago, criticised the integrated review’s focus on the Indo-Pacific at the expense of European allies.
Minister reply
Publication details to be provided by Cabinet Office; IR did not neglect Russia but identified it as the main adversary.
Bill Cash
Con
Wolverhampton South West
Question
I congratulate my right hon. Friend, the Government and the Prime Minister on the manner in which they have conducted themselves in relation to this dreadful invasion of Ukraine.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his kind comments. It is incredibly important that we recognise that this is not just a military response. The scale of the humanitarian crisis, which will only grow as Russia seeks to punish the innocent for having the temerity to stand up to it, means we all have to lean in as an international community.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Glasgow South
Question
Like the shadow Secretary of State and the Secretary of State, I put on record how grateful we are to President Zelensky for taking the time to talk to the House yesterday.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will have heard my answer to my Scottish National party colleague the hon. Member for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald), and the Minister for the Armed Forces will be happy to brief my hon. Friend once those meetings have taken place to update him on the assistance the MOD can give.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for his statement and for all that his Department and our incredible armed forces are doing at this time to help the people of Ukraine.
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will have heard my answer to my Scottish National party colleague the hon. Member for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald), and the Minister for the Armed Forces will be happy to brief my hon. Friend once those meetings have taken place to update him on the assistance the MOD can give.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for the regular and excellent updates and briefings we have and for the hard work he is putting in on Ukraine, within the constraints he has to work within.
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that. It is a difficult balance as to when we tell people. In effect, I have to come to this House to get policy permission from you before we take a different step on the weapons systems, and that is the right thing to do; we have to make sure that this is calibrated into the right process.
Mark Pritchard
Con
The Wrekin
Question
I thank the Defence Secretary and all the ministerial team for working so hard on this, and I thank all those in the main building and those in uniform throughout our armed forces for responding so well to the war in Ukraine.
Minister reply
First, the decisions have been made in principle that we will provide them, which is why I came to the House. We have to make sure that we provide people with the training and capability to deliver that.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Question
First, I thank the Defence Secretary for the approach he takes, being the calm voice of competence that we want to hear in this crisis. He will know that Putin is counting on Europe not getting the refugee crisis right. That plays into his hands in the medium term and longer term. Does he agree with my concern that if we do not get a grip on the refugee crisis soon, across the whole of Europe, including in this country, we could well be playing into those fears?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her comments. One of the most important things is recognising that President Putin and Belarus used migrant flows deliberately to divide and put pressure on our system. That is why when they did that in Belarus, we sent 100 Royal Engineers to assist the Poles. It is incredibly important that we all think about what happened. Many warned about this but the EU has been coordinating non-military responses well.
Question
Although Putin has committed almost all the forces he had pre-positioned, we know that he has more modern equipment still to deploy. Are we able to determine whether those additional forces are ready to deploy?
Minister reply
Putin has deployed some of his most modern equipment and taken significant risks with missile stocks. He is using a lot of modern weaponry.
Question
There was a report that dozens of former Paras have signed up for the Ukrainian foreign legion and hundreds more are expected to do so. Will the Defence Secretary give the House absolute clarity on the UK Government’s position in relation to those volunteers?
Minister reply
The Government’s position is: serving members breaking the law will be prosecuted; we strongly discourage others from joining as per travel advice of not going to Ukraine.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
I understand that it would be possible, at very short notice, to reopen Manston airport in Kent to fly out humanitarian aid such as pharmaceuticals and to fly in refugees, who could then be processed at Manston barracks. That would require the co-operation and effort of the MOD and of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. I am not asking for a guarantee now, but will my right hon. Friend speak to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Minister for Intergovernmental Relations to see what possibilities there might be there?
Minister reply
If greater pressure arises, I would be delighted to talk to both him and the Levelling Up Secretary to see whether we can take advantage of my right hon. Friend’s kind offer.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for all he is doing and the compassionate way he is doing it. My question relates to a constituent, who has been waiting for a visa for his wife and infant daughter for four weeks and wants to get home with his family. Will the Secretary of State please urge the Home Office to do its job?
Minister reply
If the hon. Lady gives the details to my Parliamentary Private Secretary, I will be happy to make that representation to the Home Office.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for coming to the House again to keep us informed. He was right when he said that the whole House was moved by the President of Ukraine’s address yesterday. The President of Ukraine has spoken again today and is desperate for aircraft to protect women and children from being bombed and killed by Russians. Poland has acted, but there is a hold-up because of the response from the United States. Will the Secretary of State be clear that he supports what Poland is doing? Will he pressure America to support that action?
Minister reply
I support Ukraine’s anti-air capability to fly in its own airspace and deliver military effect against Russian artillery, but a no-fly zone would mean both sides do not fly. The first thing is protecting Ukraine’s anti-air capability.
Question
Rather than getting to the stage at which we might need to rely on MOD assistance to get refugees here, it is better to get people here while they can get here. It is the same with humanitarian aid: displaced people in Ukraine may need to use humanitarian aid but could already be here in the UK where they have family members. Surely under the existing scheme, which applies to the family members of British and Ukrainian people who already live in the UK, we can bring the people here and then process them and do security checks while they are safely here in the UK?
Minister reply
It is possible to do both. We can process them very quickly out there.
Maldon
Question
Three years ago, I visited Mariupol with my right hon. Friend’s predecessor, Michael Fallon, and we heard the Ukrainian armed forces’ appreciation of the help we were already giving them then through Operation Orbital, so I strongly welcome my right hon. Friend’s announcement today. Does he agree with the Secretary-General of NATO that the sight of bodies lying unburied on the streets in Mariupol is credible evidence that Russia is guilty of war crimes?
Minister reply
The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation and a number of countries, including Britain and Canada, are collecting evidence. The open-source reports show Russian generals abandoning soldiers and civilians, which shows criminal responsibility.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for updating us on the UK’s actions in support of the Ukrainians’ heroic defence of their country. He will have noted that his update was received much more warmly than that given by the Home Office yesterday, and with good reason—I do hope that Home Office Ministers have noted that as well. We must act on all fronts. The need for humanitarian assistance is overwhelming. Will the Secretary of State say a little more about the 1,000 UK troops who I understand from his statement are still on stand-by to provide humanitarian assistance? Where are they and under what circumstances will they be deployed?
Minister reply
We have not yet had any request for humanitarian support from neighbouring countries. As soon as they do request support, we will deploy those troops to help in that process.
Question
The MP thanked the Secretary of State for his statement and asked about specific support being provided to the Ukrainian air force.
Minister reply
The Minister mentioned high-velocity missiles assisting the Ukrainian air force in flying freely, and highlighted the use of Turkish TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles delivering munitions which are crucial.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Inquired about naval support for Odesa, the last open port used by Ukraine. He also asked if there is a plan to help keep this vital port operational.
Minister reply
The Minister noted that the southern flank has seen Russian advances due to the heavily mined sea area around Odesa and mentioned ongoing efforts to explore ways of assisting in defending Odesa's coastline.
Question
Expressed concern about Poland's security situation and requested assurances that the UK will continue supporting Poland against potential Russian aggression. Asked if NATO would reconsider a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that he does not think a no-fly zone suits Ukrainian disposition given Russia's missile advantage, but assured support for Poland including military equipment as needed.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Question
Asked about the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia, mentioning that the number of sanctioned individuals is unclear.
Minister reply
The Minister assured he would look into the figures provided and highlighted the UK's role in freezing more funds than other countries.
Question
Asked for assurances that any defensive support will achieve the right balance, avoiding escalation to a wider war.
Minister reply
The Minister emphasised the need for each country to make unique decisions on military aid and expressed understanding if Poland decides to donate aircraft.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Asked about the gift of Polish jets, questioning whether it would be regarded as a defensive system.
Minister reply
The Minister clarified that the use of jets as close air support to Kyiv is clearly defensive but acknowledged it depends on how they are used.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Asked why forward deployment of resources did not occur when warnings were given months prior.
Minister reply
The Minister focused on addressing the current situation and did not provide a detailed response to historical planning.
Question
Asked about MOD spending as ODA, and questioned if slashing aid budget affected humanitarian co-ordination.
Minister reply
The Minister downplayed the impact of the UK's decision to abolish DFID on Putin's actions.
Question
Requested personnel from SSAFA and additional body armour for Ukrainian reserve forces, along with concerns about unaccompanied children.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed increased body armour provision and mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve immigration issues.
Barbara Keeley
Lab
Halton
Question
Expresses gratitude to the Defence Secretary and raises concerns about bureaucratic delays for Ukrainians seeking visas. Calls for a compassionate response from the Home Office.
Minister reply
Offers to pass Barbara Keeley's constituent case to his Parliamentary Private Secretary, emphasising that he would press the Home Office to resolve it.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Commends the Defence Secretary on training Ukrainian troops and supplying defensive weapons. Asks for an assessment of their effectiveness.
Minister reply
Explains that Russian assumptions about military invincibility were wrong, highlighting the success of handheld weapons provided by Britain.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Question
Critiques the Government’s humanitarian response, citing confusion among Ukrainian families seeking visas. Asks for action against Home Office inefficiencies.
Minister reply
Acknowledges frustration with visa processing speed but highlights positive contributions in terms of aid and numbers. The MOD is supporting the Home Office to improve processing.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Questions specific actions being taken with Lithuania due to its risk from Russia.
Minister reply
Confirms extra attention to Baltic states, emphasising coordination among battle groups and highlighting the Suwalki gap as a potential threat.
Question
Asks about confidence in avoiding direct confrontation with Putin beyond Ukraine. Emphasises deterrence of future conflicts.
Minister reply
Acknowledges difficulty in predicting Putin's next moves but emphasises the importance of a united NATO and international sanctions.
Question
Expresses gratitude for Defence Secretary’s involvement in visa issues. Questions about evidence gathering on war crimes.
Minister reply
Agrees that evidence must be gathered for future deterrence, including prosecuting those down the chain of command.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Question
Thanks Defence Secretary and asks about delays faced by medical convoys. Suggests resolving customs issues.
Minister reply
Offers to investigate delays with other Departments, highlighting support for flying in medical supplies.
Question
Acknowledges UK’s foresight in supplying aid before invasion and seeks assurance on future equipment requests.
Minister reply
Commits to reviewing all requests quickly and doing what can be done to support Ukraine, emphasising British values.
Question
Questions the effectiveness of Putin’s advance due to logistical issues, defections, freezing temperatures.
Minister reply
Agrees on two major miscalculations by Putin: invincibility of his military and unity of international community.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Question
Hon. Members on both sides of the House will wish the Secretary of State well in his discussions with the Home Office—it is a hard nut to crack. I spoke with a constituent of mine over the weekend who has family in Irpin, asking for more weaponry which we can supply to them. Is it difficult to provide the support that people in Ukraine are asking for due to the definition of defensive weapons?
Minister reply
That is always kept under review depending on the actions of President Putin. We must find other ways of dealing with mass devastation from artillery and missiles rather than risking a wider war in Europe.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Providing Starstreak anti-air missiles will help Ukraine defend itself and so is very welcome. Given the situation on the ground, will the Secretary of State look at creative ways of delivering training for this capability?
Minister reply
Yes, we are looking at that at pace.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
I welcome the Defence Secretary’s very strong condemnation of the “indiscriminate and murderous” attacks on civilian areas. What will the UK Government’s position be next month on the UN-backed political declaration on restricting the use of wide-area effects explosive weapons in populated areas?
Minister reply
May I write to the hon. Lady, because that will be a Foreign Office lead and I understand the debate will be progressing next month?
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement, and for his excellent daily briefings. With Russia repeating false allegations that the US is supporting a Ukrainian military biological programme, what new steps are the MOD and other Government agencies taking to tackle the dissemination of such false information effectively?
Minister reply
We must challenge those false flags publicly; we have done so by declassifying intelligence early in some cases. We worry about breadcrumbs leading to chemical weapons, nerve agents and biological weapons dropped by Russia.
Shadow Comment
John Healey
Shadow Comment
The shadow welcomed the minister's statement but urged for quicker examination of Starstreak missiles provision. He questioned whether supplies were coming solely from UK stockpiles or if additional procurement was happening, and inquired about involvement of non-NATO countries. Concerned about Russia's military rectifications since the invasion began, he asked about deployed forces' proportion. Shadow highlighted the need for unity against Putin and expressed Labour’s commitment to NATO, supporting troop reinforcement on its eastern border. He inquired about the UK-led joint expeditionary force's potential role and the status of 1,000 troops on standby. Acknowledging domestic security needs, he pressed for publication of a national resilience strategy promised over a year ago and questioned whether the integrated review should be rethought considering current threats.
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