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Ukraine
25 February 2026
Lead MP
John Healey
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
UkraineDefence
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
John Healey 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 war has lasted four years, with Putin's brutal invasion causing immense suffering to Ukrainians. Despite the heavy toll on both sides, Putin is failing strategically while Ukraine remains defiant and determined. The UK must redouble its support for air defence systems as part of a broader strategy that includes economic sanctions and readiness for peacekeeping efforts post-conflict.
Stephen Gethins
SNP
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry
Urges the Secretary of State to raise with utmost urgency the need for air defence missiles, particularly Patriots, to defend Ukraine's skies.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Emphasises that any ceasefire must not involve ceding unoccupied territory, warning against encouraging further Russian aggression through such a compromise.
Kevin Bonavia
Lab
Stevenage
Pays tribute to the defence industry's role in manufacturing Storm Shadow missiles and other essential support for Ukraine.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Questions whether there is greater freedom now to supply longer-range missile systems to Ukraine, given past resistance from some allies.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Asks about the valuable work in defence technology and modernising procurement processes to encourage tech companies to contribute further.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Highlights the importance of providing body armour for both Ukrainian and British servicewomen, ensuring all are equipped with high-tech protection.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Requests details on the force structure of the UK component in the Multinational Force Ukraine to facilitate proper scrutiny by Members.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Pays tribute to artists contributing to an exhibition titled “Voices from Ukraine” that reflects on conflict and resilience, encouraging all hon. Members to view it.
John Milne
Lib Dem
Horsham
Tributes Chess Dynamics in his constituency for its contribution to tracking devices crucial to the conflict and agrees with Putin's unintentional role in building a strong national identity.
John Healey
Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Recognised the efforts of Johanna Baxter in receiving the Ukrainian Order of Merit for her work on the issue of abducted Ukrainian children.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Recalled a previous debate where the Prime Minister discussed providing security guarantees with US backing. He emphasised that deploying British troops without these assurances would be unwise.
Marie Rimmer
Lab
St Helens South and Whiston
Pays tribute to the Secretary of State for his detailed speech, emphasises the unity among Members in supporting Ukraine. Discusses the impact of Russia’s invasion on Ukrainian citizens, highlighting Iryna Dovgan's case as an example of the need for reparations and support for survivors. Mentions ongoing humanitarian efforts by organisations like No Duff UK. Critiques the current sanctions strategy for its lack of effectiveness and calls for a clear plan to repurpose frozen Russian assets towards supporting Ukraine, ensuring justice and peace for Ukrainian victims.
James MacCleary
Lib Dem
Lewes
Mr MacCleary discussed the human cost of the war, including the abduction of over 20,000 Ukrainian children since the full-scale invasion began. He stressed the need to cut off resources fueling Putin's war machine and called for stricter enforcement of sanctions against Russia, particularly through third countries like Georgia, as well as increased pressure on China to stop funding the conflict.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
The speaker welcomes the debate, acknowledging the impact of Russia's aggression on Ukraine. He outlines the human cost of the war including deaths, injuries, internal displacement, and refugees. He praises Ukrainian resilience and criticises Russian overestimation of their military might. McNally highlights the community support in Coatbridge for Ukrainians fleeing conflict and mentions the cultural activities organised by them. He also stresses the need for accountability regarding war crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine and the importance of continued defence spending. Additionally, he emphasises the moral obligation to support Ukrainians until a just peace is achieved.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Intervening to highlight the work of Ukrainian community centres across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including supporting colleagues back in Ukraine through aid and fundraising efforts. Also mentions maintenance of cultural ties via language libraries.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Urges the need for unity in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression, highlighting historical precedents of leniency towards Russia that may have emboldened Putin. Emphasises the importance of peace not being at any price to honour those who have sacrificed for democracy. Raises concerns about the resettlement and integration issues faced by Ukrainians living in the UK, including professional recognition challenges and uncertain futures due to ongoing conflict.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Welcomes government funding towards mine clearance efforts through organisations like HALO Trust. Highlights the significant challenge faced by Ukrainian farmers farming on mined land, estimating that about a quarter of Ukrainian land is now mined.
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
Taylor speaks on the support for Ukraine, focusing on humanitarian and military aid delivered through small vehicles and drones. He calls for UK Government surplus vehicles to be donated, supports recognition of effective charities aiding Ukraine, and requests discussions with ferry operators and customs authorities to ease logistical challenges.
Brian Mathew
Lib Dem
Melksham and Devizes
Mathew highlights the impact of Ukrainian refugees in his constituency, praising their resilience. He also commends local businesses like Avon Protection for manufacturing protective equipment for Ukraine and recognises activists opposing war and supporting democratic principles.
Aphra Brandreth
Con
Chester South and Eddisbury
The contributions to the debate highlight the unity of support for Ukraine. The speaker underscores the cruelty of war, particularly on children, emphasising Russian deportations of Ukrainian children and the need for international efforts in rescuing them. She also discusses modern warfare's changing character, focusing on drones and autonomous systems. She stresses that Britain must adapt its armed forces to meet these new challenges and continue supporting Ukraine economically and militarily.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
The speech addresses the need for stricter economic sanctions on Russia, questioning Boris Johnson's notion of sending peaceful ground forces to Ukraine. It highlights current successful measures such as oil import bans and discusses the 'refining loophole' that continues to allow Russian crude imports. The speaker emphasises NATO’s strength and its role in ensuring peace, reminding Russia of its obligations under the alliance. Finally, he urges providing Ukraine with necessary tools for defence while depriving Russia of resources.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
The Labour MP Melanie Ward agreed with the need for substantial support, especially regarding Ukraine's bombardment by Shahed drones from Iran. She emphasised the strategic importance of standing firm against countries hostile to the UK.
Mike Martin
Lib Dem
Tunbridge Wells
The Liberal Democrat MP Mike Martin expressed concern about overcommitting forces in Ukraine and Estonia, potentially neglecting other areas on the eastern flank. He warned of the strategic implications if troops are fixed in these locations.
Monica Harding
Lib Dem
Esher and Walton
Praised the Ukrainian people's resistance against Putin’s invasion, highlighting their resilience and sacrifice. Urged the government to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty. Emphasised the need for cross-party support in the UK and the importance of aiding displaced Ukrainians to rebuild their lives while ensuring their stability and integration. Advocated for a clear route to long-term status for Ukrainian refugees, trauma-informed education for children, and an automatic visa extension beyond the current 24-month period. Criticised cuts to overseas aid, calling them counterproductive given Ukraine's strategic importance. Called on the Government to increase military support and seize frozen Russian assets in the UK for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
Ian Roome
Lib Dem
North Devon
The UK should be immensely proud of the support it has given to Ukraine since its invasion by Russia. British armed forces have trained over 62,000 Ukrainian personnel and provided essential military equipment worth £21 billion. The country must learn from Ukraine's strategic importance and understand the hardship faced by Ukrainians due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. It is crucial that UK civil society supports Ukraine in its fight against tyranny.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Intervened, agreeing with Ian Roome's comments and emphasising the need for accountability and justice for Russian perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine. He highlighted specific atrocities committed by Russians during their invasion.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Intervened, sharing his recent visit to Ukraine where he witnessed the resilience and suffering of Ukrainian people. He noted that Ukraine has adopted a UK model for veteran support and advocated continuing collaborative efforts between both countries.
Helen Maguire
Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
Agreed with Ian Roome's points about the tactical challenges faced by Ukrainians due to extreme winter conditions. She called for urgent measures to seize Russian assets and use them to rebuild Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Mr. Francois reported back to the House on his recent trip to Ukraine as part of a delegation of UK MPs, emphasising Ukraine's prolonged struggle against Russian aggression since 2014. He highlighted three main themes: the ongoing nature of the conflict for over a decade, the importance of extending sanctions on Russia, and expressing gratitude towards Britain's support in military, diplomatic, and economic terms. He also stressed the need for the UK to commit to long-term defence investment.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Mr. Jenkin recalled his visit with Mr Francois to Ukraine where they met President Zelensky, who expressed gratitude towards their support. He emphasised the importance of continuing proactive measures against Russia's shadow fleet vessels.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Mr. Foord inquired about the possibility of a maritime services ban being enacted by the end of this year to further restrict Russian oil and gas exports through insurance measures.
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Mr. Stuart agreed with Mr Francois's points, suggesting that more could be done to communicate the threat Russia poses to UK citizens, which would help secure necessary resources for both supporting Ukraine and arming the UK.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
We would all be intrigued to know who Reform’s defence spokesperson is, so if the Minister picks up any hints about that, perhaps he could give me a ring.
Martin Wrigley
Lib Dem
Newton Abbot
On the subject of Ukrainians living in the valleys, I was visiting some Ukrainians who are on the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Dawlish... That is a big relief to the Ukrainians in my constituency, and indeed to Ukrainian officers. What does the Minister think about the future for people from Ukraine who are in the UK?
David Taylor
Lab
Hemel Hempstead
The Minister noted the absence of Reform from this debate. I also note the absence of the Green party... Perhaps they are too busy spreading sectarian hate up in Gorton and Denton, or undermining NATO at every corner. Does he agree?
Nia Griffith
Lab
Llanelli
As my hon. Friend will know, our hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South (Johanna Baxter) has done a lot of work on the stolen children... She said that the Minister had mentioned the issue in New York, and she was very touched by that. Does he agree that the work she has been doing, in the face of a horrendous situation, is fantastic?
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
I thank the Minister for his response, and for his words of encouragement for us MPs... What are the UK Government and the Minister—I know he is committed to this—doing to ensure that the evidential base is gathered to catch the people who carried out those crimes and make them accountable?
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
I am most grateful to the Minister for giving way... Given how utterly transformed Ukrainian forces are in terms of their capability to fight the Russians, what are we doing to transform our armed forces so that, with limited manpower, like the Ukrainians, we can hold back a Russian advance and ultimately protect NATO?
Graham Stuart
Con
Beverley and Holderness
Expressed gratitude to the Minister for allowing him to speak. Highlighted a request from Ukraine that there are not enough British businesses engaging in trade with them, despite their good relationship as allies. Asked if more could be done through the Department for Business and Trade to support bilateral trade.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
Asked about the delay in implementing a maritime services ban on Russian liquefied natural gas transport, which was announced by the Foreign Secretary but is not due to take effect until the end of the year. Inquired why it would take so long.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Paid tribute to the Ukrainian people and those Ukrainians who reside in her constituency, Sussex Weald.
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