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Support for Ukraine and Countering Threats from Russia
02 March 2022
Lead MP
John Healey
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
John Healey raised concerns about support for ukraine and countering threats from russia 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 UK must condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine, support the Ukrainian resistance, and unite with allies against Russian aggression. The sanctions imposed so far are insufficient; they need to be swift, severe, and sweeping. Labour supports the Government’s actions but urges them to go further in providing military aid, isolating Russia economically, pursuing war crimes, helping refugees, strengthening national security at home, and enhancing NATO's defensive capabilities.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Calls for more substantial sanctions against Russia including artistic, sporting, financial, educational sanctions. Urges the Government to work with those who want faster action.
Emphasises the need to provide arms support to Ukraine but also suggests that Polish and Czech allies could furnish weapons more quickly by moving them from their countries directly into Ukraine.
Supports cutting Russia out of international economic systems and emphasises the importance of suspending Russia from organisations that promote democracy, law, and human rights.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Encourages sending a message of support to Russian socialists who oppose the war in Ukraine alongside supporting Ukrainian people facing horrors.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Emphasises that there must be no place for individuals involved in committing crimes in Ukraine to hide and stresses the importance of accountability.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Urges doing more to help refugees, including waiving visa requirements for those fleeing their homes.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
Suggests that journalists trapped in Ukraine should be given safe passage and emphasises the importance of supporting independent journalism during conflict.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Advocates for taking action against Russian bot farms and misinformation to protect the UK's economy and society.
James Heappey
Con
South Dorset
The UK stands with Ukraine against Russian aggression. We are providing military support, training over 22,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015 and supplying weapons. Additionally, the UK is enhancing its readiness by deploying more than 1,000 troops for humanitarian aid and increasing financial sanctions on Russia to isolate it from global markets.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Asked the Minister if he feels uneasy about clause 11 of the Nationality and Borders Bill, which would criminalise Ukrainian refugees who pass through another country before reaching the UK.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Rose to speak but no content provided in the given text.
Paid tribute to President Zelensky, Ukrainian armed forces, and people of Ukraine for their heroism. Supported the Government's actions towards Ukraine but urged them to go further on sanctions and refugee policies. Criticised Russia for starting the conflict and emphasised the need for a strong European defence alliance.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Expressed solidarity with Ukraine, emphasised the need for humanitarian aid to Poland and other receiving countries, highlighted the historical precedent of UK taking refugees from Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Uganda. Called on the government to utilise Manston airport in his constituency for both sending military hardware to Ukraine and processing incoming Ukrainian refugees.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Critiqued Putin's justification of invasion through false claims, highlighted Russia’s previous actions in Georgia and Syria. Emphasised the need for international justice against war criminals and supported an investigation by the International Criminal Court to hold Putin accountable.
Discussed historical instances of Russian aggression, emphasised the importance of precise language and media accuracy in reporting conflict to avoid inciting further tension. Advocated for a strong NATO stance while cautioning against direct conflict and underlined readiness for potential war scenarios.
Tony Lloyd
Lab
Nottingham North
Expressed admiration for the Ukrainian armed forces and praised the Defence Secretary's support, but criticised the UK sanctions regime for playing catch-up compared to the EU. Highlighted the need for addressing legal issues concerning Russian assets in the UK and protecting journalists investigating dirty money. Emphasised the potential for a worsening refugee crisis and called for preparedness, including ensuring humanitarian assistance is available to countries like Moldova. Suggested long-term commitment to Ukraine's reconstruction and energy security.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Intervened to highlight the difficulties in the UK system for refugees seeking visas, citing personal experience with a group of 12 people waiting for visa processing. Stressed the need for smoother processes to allow refugees to move and settle.
John Howell
Con
Henley
Expressed outrage over Russia's membership in the Council of Europe despite its abuse of human rights, rule of law, and democracy. Highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian MPs like Oleksiy Goncharenko who defend their country with military action. Offered support for compensating financial shortfalls caused by Russian suspension from the Council of Europe, estimating the cost to be a rounding error. Proposed using the Council's migration body to manage refugee issues.
Ian Paisley Jnr
DUP
North Antrim
Congratulated John Howell on his leadership in the British delegation at the Council of Europe, praising his efforts in suspending Russia. Called for UK Government support in compensating financial penalties faced by the Council due to Russian suspension.
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
I rise to voice my condemnation of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and to give my full support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. I have received significant support from constituents, who urge the Government to relax visa rules to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. Additionally, I highlight the need for unity among free nations and warn about Russia's use of cyber-attacks and information warfare. These tactics pose a serious threat by undermining public resolve and stirring social unrest. To counter these threats, I urge the Government to invest in countering information warfare and strengthen relationships with allies through dialogue.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Putin's invasion of Ukraine has failed to split the West or break Ukrainian resolve. The House has united against this aggression, and I commend the Opposition for their conduct in supporting a unified stance. I also praise the UK’s leadership on sanctions, expanding humanitarian efforts through the Disasters Emergency Committee, and the Defence budget commitment. However, more investment is needed in our armed forces, including manpower, armoured vehicles, and cyber-defences to match NATO allies' commitments. I emphasise the importance of supporting Ukrainian refugees financially and protecting their civil rights here.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
The invasion of Ukraine is brutal and wrong, with Russia deploying internationally banned weapons against civilians. The heroic resistance by Ukrainians is commendable. It's important to provide further defensive equipment and humanitarian assistance as stated in today’s motion. NATO obligations must be fulfilled to counter Russian threats beyond the current invasion. Economic crime Bill should be brought forward immediately for tackling hidden financial activities related to Russia. Cooperation with NATO intelligence assessments is crucial, especially due to recent attacks on Ukraine. Resources are needed now and in future to keep up guard against long-term Russian threats.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
The debate stands in solidarity with people in Ukraine facing the war's cruelty. Constituents are offering help through various means, such as donating money to registered charities like British-Ukrainian Aid and UNICEF or providing supplies and accommodation for refugees via organisations like the Refugee Council and the Ukrainian Red Cross. Effective support can be directed through these central agencies. The Minister is urged to highlight the Government's humanitarian sponsorship pathway.
Newcastle upon Tyne North
McKinnell spoke about the heart-wrenching impact of war on Ukrainian mothers and children. She highlighted the need for Britain to unite in support of Ukraine against Russian aggression, emphasising the importance of providing military aid, reinforcing NATO allies, imposing sanctions, and offering humanitarian assistance.
Bristow discussed the stark contrast between President Zelensky's bravery and Putin's brutal actions. He praised Britain’s role in supporting Ukraine by training Ukrainian forces, sending weapons before the invasion began, and implementing further sanctions against Russia. He also highlighted the need for transparency regarding foreign money invested in London and stressed that while we stand with Ukraine, our commitment to defending NATO borders is absolute.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Discussed the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, urging for meaningful repercussions if chemical, incendiary or thermobaric weapons are used. Advocated for a humanitarian exemption to ensure aid delivery is not hindered by sanctions. Called for more air defence systems and potential deniable cyber-attacks against Russia if chemical weapons were used. Addressed nuclear threats from Putin as a sign of weakness, emphasising the unity of alliances in response.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Emphasised the importance of continuing to supply weapons and enforcing tough sanctions against Russia. Stressed the need to collect evidence for the International Criminal Court, welcome refugees, and invest in military capabilities while reinforcing NATO alliances.
Highlighted local community efforts in supporting Ukraine, including food and supplies delivery initiatives by volunteers. Praised the Government's expanded humanitarian route to support Ukrainian nationals and individuals with no ties to the UK, aiming for a multi-pronged approach.
Critiqued Vladimir Putin’s actions as war crimes and praised western alliance unity. Acknowledged community efforts in Paisley and Renfrewshire North for collecting essential items but criticised the UK Government's lack of unconditional refuge offer and failure to close Russian sanctions loopholes.
Kevan Jones
Lab
Durham North
We stand united with the people of Ukraine against a sovereign state's invasion. The establishment of NATO was to maintain peace in Europe, which has been disrupted by President Putin's actions. We must support sanctions and unity across Europe, despite Brexit, and work towards enduring peace. We owe it to ourselves and Ukraine to protect freedoms.
Bury South
The Russian attack on Babyn Yar in Kyiv is a reminder of the horrors of the past. The Government's humanitarian, economic, and military support for Ukraine has been swift and resolute but needs to be continued with more meaningful sanctions against individuals highlighted by many individuals. We must also offer support when the conflict ends to repair, rebuild, and regenerate Ukraine’s heritage.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Putin's war against Ukraine is a clear violation of democracy, freedom, and hope. The Government must do more in humanitarian response and sanctions, especially targeting oligarchs involved in money laundering and political brokering.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Putin’s war on Ukraine marks a new era and tectonic shift for the world. David Lammy emphasises the need for unity among European allies, condemning Putin's aggression and supporting NATO and democratic values. He highlights the importance of military support to Ukraine, robust sanctions against Russia including insurance sectors and targeting Russian banks swiftly, transparency in financial systems, diplomatic actions to build opposition globally, and ensuring accountability through international law. Additionally, he advocates for humanitarian support and objective news reaching Russian people.
Amanda Milling
Con
Broxbourne
The UK stands united with the international community in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We have pledged £220 million for humanitarian assistance, including £120 million for vital medical supplies and access to basic necessities. The Disasters Emergency Committee has launched a humanitarian appeal that we are matching with £20 million. Sanctions targeting Putin's inner circle and financial institutions will continue to increase pressure on Russia.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
The Disasters Emergency Committee’s campaign is a tremendous effort, but it depends on the generosity of the British public. The Minister should appeal to the House and urge people to support Ukrainian refugees financially rather than by sending goods.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
The current sanctions regime is preventing humanitarian organisations from doing deals with sanctioned entities. The Minister should consider introducing legislation similar to what the Americans have for Afghanistan to overcome this problem, as outlined at the UN Security Council in December.
Nigel Evans
Con
Cannock Chase
The debate demonstrates the 100% support that this House of Commons has for the brave people of Ukraine. There is an enormous outpouring across constituencies from people who want to help with the refugee crisis.
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