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Ukraine
15 March 2022
Lead MP
David Lammy
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 54
At a Glance
David Lammy raised concerns about ukraine 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 House should support the continuation of defensive military aid to Ukraine, including Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles. The Government has been delayed in implementing sanctions compared to other nations and must expedite enforcement against Russian oligarchs and dirty money launderers using Britain as a base. We must also assist Ukrainians fleeing the war and push for a negotiated settlement based on terms accepted by the Ukrainian Government.
David Lammy
Lab
Tottenham
Ukrainian resistance has met with growing brutality from Russian forces, resulting in civilian suffering, economic instability for Russia, and unity among western nations. The UK should provide military support to Ukraine, maintain sanctions against Putin's cronies, and address the influx of refugees.
John Baron
Con
Bracknell
The west has neglected nurturing democracy post-cold war era; we must now bolster hard and soft power in our battle for democratic values. The UK should avoid cuts to soft power capabilities, such as the British Council.
Theresa May
Con
Walton
The unity shown across the House regarding Putin's actions is commendable but Labour’s stance on chemical weapons use in Syria must be reconsidered. We need to protect human rights both domestically and internationally.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
Russian soft power has infiltrated various UK sectors over time, necessitating stricter measures against future Russian influence in culture, universities, politics, and business. We must prevent a repeat of past issues.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
We should not confuse the issue by bringing up the Syria vote; it was proposed to depose another Arab dictator without considering extremist takeovers, which did not end well in Afghanistan. The situation with Ukraine is distinct.
John Baron
Con
Bracknell
There must be a balance between defensive and offensive weaponry, and the UK should consider soft power as crucial while avoiding further cuts to these capabilities.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
The UK has led on banking sanctions and removing Russia from SWIFT, contrary to accusations of following the EU or US. There is a need for an international response in various areas at different speeds.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Planning for Ukraine’s reconstruction should start now, considering seizing sanctioned assets to rebuild the country post-war; differentiation between oligarchs and kleptocrats is crucial in asset reallocation.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
The Government may require further primary legislation for asset seizure towards Ukraine's reconstruction, and the House should be prepared to support this initiative if necessary.
Theresa May
Con
Theresa May raised concerns about trafficking of Ukrainian refugees, especially unaccompanied child refugees, pointing out that criminal gangs are exploiting the situation. She urged for a database creation to track children and for law enforcement agencies' involvement in tackling traffickers. Additionally, she asked for Border Force guidelines to identify trafficked children entering the UK.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Monaghan criticises the Home Secretary's letter to MPs regarding refugees as lacking compassion. She calls for direct government coordination with devolved governments and local authorities, fast-tracking professional qualifications for Ukrainian professionals, and integration support services. She also emphasises the need for swift action without lengthy visa applications.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Hoare clarifies that £350 is a payment to host families, with other Departments providing additional funding for health and education services for refugees.
Graham asks if a Minister can confirm that Ukrainian refugees will be able to work immediately upon arrival in the UK, claim benefits, access NHS services, and receive education without delay.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Spencer agrees with Monaghan's priority of getting refugees out of Ukraine and Poland quickly before addressing professional qualifications and integration issues.
North Cambridgeshire
Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression is crucial for protecting democratic values, peaceful existence, and western cultures. The speaker criticises the West's misunderstanding of Russia after the Soviet empire's demise and advocates for a realistic approach to dealing with Putin’s regime. He supports providing military aid to Ukraine and calls for stricter sanctions on Russia. Additionally, he suggests preparing a significant Marshall-type plan for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Stresses the importance of supplying MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine as they have pilots trained to fly them and NATO allies with these planes, which can extend anti-aircraft missile range beyond current limitations.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Recalls the long-standing warnings from Georgia about Russia’s intentions, highlighting the necessity of heeding early signs of Russian aggression.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge and Malling
Emphasises that dirty Russian money is being used to undermine British national security, silence journalists, intimidate, and disrupt court procedures. He sees this as a direct assault on the British people funded by Putin.
Diane Abbott
Ind
Hackney North and Stoke Newington
The Government's new scheme for Ukrainian refugees is inadequate. The responsibility of ensuring the legal rights of asylum seekers should not rely on private generosity. While the scheme allows Ukrainians to live and work in the UK with full benefits, it outsources the support needed, leading to structural problems. The approach contrasts sharply with how other refugee crises are handled, such as those from Syria or Iraq.
Emphasises the severity of the situation in Ukraine and outlines UK's significant contribution including sanctions on Russia worth over £250 billion. Calls for unity within the nation to face domestic challenges such as inflation due to the crisis. Highlights the importance of the new sponsorship programme for refugees, urging all parties to come together despite delays.
Clive Lewis
Lab
Norwich South
He criticised the Conservative party for being bankrolled by wealthy individuals, including oligarchs. He mentioned an investigation revealing that in a decade of austerity, the Conservatives received £130 million in donations from the elite Leaders Group and noted the role of British tax havens in global tax losses. Lewis argued that understanding how Putin and his circle enriched themselves is critical to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Intervened, suggesting that focusing on party funding was not the key contribution to the debate. He acknowledged the importance of the debate but implied it should focus more directly on supporting Ukraine and its constituents.
Responded to Richard Graham by highlighting an example of a donation from the wife of a Putin ally, Lubov Chernukhin, accepted by the Conservative party. He pointed out that in 2019, then Secretary of State for Defence Sir Gavin Williamson was warned about cyber-attacks from Russia and allowed this woman access to Churchill’s war rooms.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Asked Clive Lewis who was in government in the year 2000, implying that Labour should not take credit for opposing Putin's rise to power.
Responded to an intervention by stating he has a flat in Westminster and denying any suggestion of having a Caribbean home, dismissing it as an absurd allegation.
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Mr. Kawczynski intervened to inform the House that Marina Ovsyannikova now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years due to new legislation introduced by Putin to suppress freedom of speech.
James Grey
Con
Strangford
Mr. Grey intervened to pay tribute to the American Fox News cameraman Pierre Zakrzewski, who was killed outside Kyiv while reporting on the conflict.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Mr. Shelbrooke drew attention to paragraph 38 of Putin's essay which suggests that Russia’s intentions do not stop at Ukraine, citing the Treaty of Riga as an example.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Glasgow North East
The UK Government has failed to respond adequately to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, limiting family reunification and denying immediate entry for women and children. The public is angry at this lack of action and support for refugees. Other nations have taken more proactive steps to help.
Alun Cairns
UKIP
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has shown willingness to work with devolved Administrations. The performance data on local authorities in receiving Syrian refugees should be considered.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Scotland has taken more refugees per head of population than anywhere else in the UK since 2017, demonstrating a higher level of commitment to refugee support compared to other regions.
Stewart Hosie
SNP
Dundee East
Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, has taken in a quarter of a million refugees. This shows the stark contrast between Moldova's efforts and the UK’s lack of support for Ukrainian refugees.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
The Russian invasion will fail, but it is essential to strengthen NATO allies' resolve. The UK must provide military aid to Ukraine without escalating towards war. Support should include ammunition, weapons, training, and humanitarian aid.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Agrees with the hon. Member for Harwich and North Essex, stating that Russia's actions were predictable based on previous statements made in 2014. Criticises UK media organisations such as The Daily Telegraph for receiving Russian propaganda funding. Emphasises the need to sanction key individuals involved in the decision to invade Ukraine but notes some missing from sanctions lists. Questions why certain broadcasters and politicians are not sanctioned, highlighting the case of Chelsea Football Club's owner Roman Abramovich and his properties. Advocates for seizing assets rather than freezing them and suggests changes to laws regarding war crimes to ensure accountability for Putin.
Analyses historical context leading up to current geopolitical situation, tracing back to the bilateral treaty between Gorbachev and Kohl in 1990. Criticises Germany's strategic decisions that led to Europe's dependency on Russian energy. Highlights warning from his 2001 article about Russia’s debt to Germany and Putin's resentment towards America. Emphasises Nord Stream 2 as a strategic mistake, bypassing Ukraine and increasing European reliance on Russian gas and oil supplies. Stresses the importance of self-sufficiency in national resources for political independence and advocates for accelerating domestic energy programmes.
Bob Stewart
Con
Beckenham
Stewart discussed the unexpected resistance faced by Russian forces in Ukraine. He acknowledged the bravery of Maria Ovsyannikova and emphasised the importance of continuing to support Ukraine through military aid, humanitarian assistance, and diplomatic measures.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
It is indeed an honour to follow the right hon. Member for Beckenham and other Members who have spoken here today, emphasising the privilege of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. Ukrainians are demonstrating remarkable bravery and determination in their quest for independence and democracy. Putin's fear of a democratic Ukraine inspiring change within Russia drives his relentless pursuit to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty. The speaker urges immediate support through provision of military hardware like surface-to-air missiles, MiG-29 jets, and sanctions against Russian financial institutions and oligarchs.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
The House's attention is drawn to the speaker's outside interests in the register. He supports the Government’s actions in aiding Ukraine without escalating into a world war, coordinating economic sanctions across Western countries and European states. The humanitarian situation is likened to Syria, with warnings of potential chemical weapon use and mass displacement. Solidarity with frontline states is prioritised along with ensuring accountability for those committing war crimes. Caution is advised regarding the efficacy and intentions behind proposed humanitarian corridors.
Sam Tarry
Lab
Ilford South
Condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and criticised the UK government's response to the refugee crisis, highlighting the failure to provide substantial support compared to European partners. He called for emergency protection visas for Ukrainian refugees and emphasised the need for a more compassionate approach to immigration policies. Additionally, he raised concerns over the influence of Russian oligarchs in British politics.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Intervened to express frustration with the soft approach towards Russian oligarchs and called for more stringent measures, such as seizing assets rather than merely freezing them, to address the issue of financial influence from Russia.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Mr Hoare highlighted the efforts of his constituents in aiding Ukraine, recalling historical events such as the Solidarity movement and Margaret Thatcher's support for Eastern European nations. He advocated for flexible visa policies to assist Ukrainian refugees and criticised Russia's influence over international bodies like the UN Security Council. Emphasising values-based politics, he urged NATO to take a more robust stance against Russian aggression.
Mr Evans acknowledged Stefan Terlezki for his support in encouraging young Conservatives to enter politics.
Zarah Sultana
Your Party
Coventry South
Sultana urges Parliament to see the humanity of those affected by Putin's invasion, drawing parallels with Tony Benn’s anti-war stance. She calls for an urgent ceasefire and diplomatic efforts, and criticises the Government's DIY asylum scheme as inadequate for refugees, especially unaccompanied children.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Spencer supports the UK’s approach in response to Russia, including defensive weapons supply, sanctions, humanitarian aid, and refugee support. He advocates for an embargo on Russian oil and gas and stresses the importance of clean energy production. Concerns about vulnerable refugees being disenfranchised are raised.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
This has been a fascinating and wide-ranging debate. The hon. Member for St Helens South and Whiston made an incredible speech, which got to the nub of the military side. I was at the Rose-Roth seminar of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Kyiv in 2016, where it was noticeable that a Ukrainian former member of the Minsk group said: “Appeasers of Russia must go.” He called it a “Chamberlain complex” and believed that people feeling they can work with Putin is a fundamental failure. That was in relation to the invasion of Crimea. We have to accept that we are back in a cold war situation and that we must adopt a cold war mentality again, including increases in defence spending. NATO did not expand to the east; the east wanted to join NATO. The people of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are jolly well grateful today that they have got the backing of NATO. A real analysis could be done on what Putin was doing in and around Ukraine three or four months ago. There are more history books analysing Hitler’s motivations than anything else. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that we must be responsible to ensure there is not an escalation, but if we do not stand strong, we invite that escalation.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
Expressed support for the Ukrainian people's bravery in facing conflict, acknowledged the UK Government’s humanitarian response but noted areas of improvement. Praised local community efforts like Rain or Shine in Cambuslang. Emphasised the moral imperative to condemn Putin while distinguishing ordinary Russians from the regime. Highlighted constituent concerns about visa processes and national borders legislation. Called for rapid assistance for Ukrainian refugees and neighbouring countries.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Called for an immediate end to the conflict through diplomatic means, stressing Russia's need to withdraw troops and call a permanent ceasefire. Advocated for debt cancellation for Ukraine. Criticised UK visa restrictions on Ukrainian refugees, urging full welcome with no visa requirements. Described local community support in Leeds as an example of public solidarity. Warned against escalation into wider conflicts or nuclear war due to a no-fly zone. Showed solidarity with Russian anti-war protesters and opposed blaming ordinary Russians.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Paid tribute to President Zelensky, the Ukrainian armed forces and all Ukrainians. Criticised Putin's invasion as an attack on sovereignty, democracy, freedom and law. Questioned the Government about the aid already disbursed and its impact on peace projects elsewhere. Urged for emergency protection visa introduction for Ukrainian refugees to speed up their process of reaching sanctuary in the UK. Emphasised the importance of local charities and organisations having the support needed to contribute effectively to refugee assistance schemes.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Emphasised the unity of the House in solidarity with Ukraine against Putin's invasion. Backed military and intelligence aid to Ukraine including weapons delivery, expecting Starstreak missiles to be confirmed as part of this support soon. Highlighted that while resistance is strong, Russia’s long-term objectives could still succeed if not countered by tougher sanctions, humanitarian aid, international isolation, justice for war crimes and NATO unity. Urged diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, negotiations leading to Russian withdrawal. Criticised UK's role in the current conflict compared to other nations like France, Germany, US, and questioned China’s stance on the matter.
Reprimanded Members who participated in the debate but did not stay for wind-ups as a matter of courtesy and to maintain decorum.
James Cleverly
Con
Braintree
Describes the impact of sanctions on Russia's economy and elites, urging Putin to stop the war. Outlines the Government’s humanitarian aid efforts including medical supplies, generators, Ukrainian children for cancer treatment in UK hospitals, and housing refugees without a cap on numbers.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Praises the Government for being able to sanction 1,000 individuals but questions whether sanctions are limited to only 56 days under recent Act. Asks if there will be more sanctions targeting wealthy Russians who may flee.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Suggests considering offering medical support to injured Russian military personnel in line with the Geneva conventions.
Presses on the delivery of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, suggesting Ukrainian pilots could fly them from donor countries.
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