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Ukraine and Russia
10 September 2026
Lead MP
Wes Streeting
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefenceEconomy
Other Contributors: 31
At a Glance
Wes Streeting raised concerns about ukraine and russia 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
Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Defence, delivered his first statement to the House, focusing on the UK's support for Ukraine amid Russia's aggressive actions. He emphasised that the UK would not remain passive in the face of threats to freedom and democracy, especially as Russia's invasion of Ukraine poses a collective security challenge for Europe. Streeting highlighted the UK's commitment to provide £100 million for air defence interceptors and over 120,000 drones to Ukraine, adding to the £25 billion already pledged. He also noted the delivery of over 20 million rounds of ammunition, 1 million artillery shells, and thousands of air defence missiles. The Minister stressed the importance of unity in the House and the necessity of supporting Ukraine throughout the winter, reiterating the UK's readiness to face any potential threats from Russia. He also announced a significant increase in defence spending, reaching 2.7% of GDP next year, with a commitment to reach 3.5% by 2035. Streeting emphasised the need for innovation, training, and equipment to ensure the safety of the nation.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
The MP inquired about reports that the British Army’s training is being seriously curtailed to achieve efficiency savings mandated by the Treasury. He asked the Defence Secretary to confirm whether this is true, the actions taken to push back against these cuts, and the year in which the UK will commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence.
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide a direct response to the specific questions posed by the MP. However, he emphasised the government's commitment to defence spending and the importance of unity and support for Ukraine. He invited the House to hold him to account on these matters and stressed the necessity of a robust defence policy to protect national interests and deter potential threats.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
Francois welcomed the new Defence Secretary and acknowledged the unity between the Labour and Conservative parties in supporting Ukraine. He expressed concerns about reports of significant cuts to military training and asked the Secretary of State to clarify whether training is being curtailed and what actions are being taken to address the financial constraints imposed by the Treasury. Francois also questioned the Labour commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defence.
Minister reply
Streeting thanked Francois for his constructive spirit and acknowledged the importance of support for Ukraine. He noted that while training has been reprioritised, it has not ceased. Streeting emphasised the need to live within financial means and deliver value for money, while also making the case for more defence investment. He declined to commit to a specific year for reaching 3% of GDP on defence spending.
Question
Baker welcomed the new Defence Secretary and discussed the financial resilience needed to deter adversaries in China and Russia. He suggested that joining the multilateral Defence, Security and Resilience Bank would send a powerful signal to adversaries that the UK has the financial firepower to outbuild and outlast them.
Minister reply
Streeting acknowledged the benefits of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank and confirmed that discussions with Canadian allies are ongoing. He will keep the House informed as the discussions continue.
James MacCleary
Lib Dem
Greenwich and Woolwich
Question
Welcoming the Secretary of State's statement, MacCleary enquired about discussions with NATO allies to secure more air defence systems for Ukraine before winter. He also questioned the Secretary of State's view on issuing defence bonds and the Government's stance on tougher actions against Russian fossil fuel exports.
Minister reply
Streeting thanked MacCleary for his support and constructive scrutiny. He outlined ongoing defence diplomacy efforts with NATO allies and confirmed that the Chancellor has committed to closing the £5 billion shortfall in the defence investment plan. Regarding defence bonds, Streeting stated that while borrowing needs careful consideration, the Government is exploring ways to leverage finance for defence.
Paul Foster
Lab
Stalybridge and Hyde
Question
Foster inquired about the Government's assessment of recent statements from Moscow.
Minister reply
Streeting distinguished between performative displays from Russia and actual threats. He urged the British people to remain alert but not alarmed, highlighting the UK's capability to deter and respond to evolving threats.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
Murrison questioned the assessment of the Fire Point consortium’s Freya missile system as a potential solution for Ukraine's defence needs.
Minister reply
Streeting thanked Murrison for his expertise and confirmed that the Government is actively working to drive innovation in defence, including through Project Brakestop, and will keep the House updated on progress.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
West Ham
Question
Baxter raised concerns about reports that SAS veterans are training Russians to fight Ukraine and requested an urgent investigation.
Minister reply
Streeting acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and reassured the House that robust legislation is in place to tackle foreign hostile activity. He warned individuals supporting Russians in the war against Ukraine of the potential consequences under the National Security Act 2023.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Warmly endorsing the Secretary of State's statement, Julian Lewis highlights his commitment to supporting the nuclear deterrent, conventional armed forces, and NATO. However, he criticises the comparison of current defence spending to the end of the cold war, suggesting that spending should be closer to 4.5% to 5.1% of GDP, rather than the current 2.7%.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting acknowledges the historical comparison but emphasises the need to commit to increasing defence spending in the context of current threats and constrained resources. He also draws attention to the importance of protecting essential services from potential threats.
Question
David Taylor congratulates the Defence Secretary on his appointment and requests a meeting with MOD officials to address issues faced by convoys sending humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting thanks David Taylor for his work and agrees to facilitate a meeting to address the issues faced by convoys in delivering aid to Ukraine.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
Question
Christine Jardine welcomes the Secretary of State's statement and emphasises the importance of building social resilience in addition to defence, citing the resilience committee within the National Security Council.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting agrees that building social resilience is crucial and emphasises the need for a wider national conversation involving everyone to improve national resilience.
Question
Fleur Anderson discusses the criminal trafficking of people by Russia and asks how UK support matches what Ukraine needs to win the war.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting confirms the UK's leadership in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and states that the support provided matches what the Ukrainians need. He engages closely with the Ukrainian counterpart to ensure this support.
Question
Alicia Kearns raises concerns about the violation of NATO airspace and the need for a lower threshold for a NATO response to crack down on Russian violations.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting values Alicia Kearns' expertise and acknowledges the risk of miscalculation. He commits to reflecting on her suggestions.
Question
Tim Roca welcomes the Secretary of State's commitment to national security and questions the progress made on procuring air defences and building industrial capacity.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting thanks Tim Roca for his support and reassures him that the Government is investing £790 million in new homeland integrated air and missile defence, among other measures.
Maldon
Question
John Whittingdale calls for a public awareness campaign to raise awareness of the threat from Russia and questions the companies trading in Russia.
Minister reply
Wes Streeting acknowledges the serious issue and suggests that companies should consider the risk involved in trading with Russia. He also commits to a national conversation to raise awareness of the threat.
Question
Ukrainians in Rugby are concerned about the psychological pressure and information war in Ukraine. Will the Minister reassure them that this House is united with Ukraine and will support it in all dimensions?
Minister reply
The minister reassured the MP that the House is united with Ukraine and that the UK recognises the urgency of the situation and will keep up momentum through the UDCG. He also paid tribute to the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their leadership.
Question
Last year, the UK was hesitant about seizing Russian assets, which total £185 billion in Europe, with £30 billion in the UK. Will the new government now take action, similar to its actions on Gaza, to seize Russian assets?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the complexity but took up the challenge to do everything possible to seize Russian assets, while also appreciating the MP's persistence on this issue.
Question
The Russian Orthodox Church is being weaponised in the occupied territories of Ukraine, affecting the freedom of religion or belief. Does the minister agree that this is a key issue in the conflict?
Minister reply
The minister agreed that freedom of religion or belief is a key issue in the conflict and highlighted the weaponisation of Christianity as a broader issue.
Question
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of UK manufacturing facilities producing drones for Ukraine, following a recent sabotage plot?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that threats to UK manufacturing facilities are taken seriously and that operational details are being handled closely with relevant stakeholders.
Mohammad Yasin
Lab
Bedford
Question
If Russia succeeds in weaponising the freezing winter by destroying civilian power grids, will supporting Ukraine be a strategic necessity for British security?
Minister reply
The minister agreed that supporting Ukraine is not only morally right but also a strategic necessity for the security interests of the British people.
Question
With the weakening international support for Ukraine, can the minister confirm that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine against Russian expansion, even if the USA backs away?
Minister reply
The minister assured that international support for Ukraine is galvanising and resilient, and he has seen no sign of this commitment weakening, including from the US.
Question
Can the minister confirm specific measures to ensure UK-based drone companies stay and manufacture in the UK, after winning a major US contract?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed the minister for Defence Readiness and Industry would be pleased to meet the MP to discuss the issue and highlighted the opportunity for reindustrialisation through defence investment.
Question
Can the minister lead the way in turning the difficult into the possible regarding the use of frozen Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine?
Minister reply
The minister committed to taking up the challenge of turning difficult into possible regarding the use of frozen Russian assets.
Question
Will the minister work with European partners and press Belgium to release £145 billion of frozen Russian assets to fill Ukraine's £20 billion defence budget shortfall?
Minister reply
The minister assured that the UK will continue to do whatever it can through the UDCG and bilateral conversations to liberate frozen Russian assets and put them in Ukrainian hands.
Question
Will the minister work with Cabinet colleagues to tackle how Russia finances its war through cultural exports like 'Masha and the Bear' sanctioned by Ukraine but still available in the UK?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed that colleagues across Cabinet are willing to do more to support Ukraine, and he will pick up the issue raised by the MP.
Question
The MP thanks the minister for his statement and asks about the steps the Government is taking to mobilise allies and provide more support to Ukraine.
Minister reply
The minister expresses gratitude for the question and highlights the UK's role through the UDCG, emphasising the mobilisation of international support and resources for Ukraine's defence and freedom.
Question
The MP agrees with the minister that defence differences should not be used for party political advantage and asks about the UK's efforts to maintain unity in Europe and cease Russian gas imports.
Minister reply
The minister welcomes support from EU member states and acknowledges the issue of Russian gas imports, noting that conversations with allies are ongoing to address this concern.
Question
The MP inquires about the discussions the Defence Secretary is having with Cabinet colleagues and devolved nations regarding modern civil defence and mutual deterrence approaches.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the importance of modern civil defence and convergence of military and civil society, emphasising the UK's responsibility to work closely with devolved Governments and draw on international counterparts.
Question
The MP welcomes the Defence Secretary and asks about considering a mechanism to direct Russian assets towards compensating Ukraine.
Minister reply
The minister assures the MP that the UK will carefully consider the proposed mechanism and is keen to liberate Russian assets for Ukraine's defence.
Question
The MP asks about conversations with Cabinet colleagues regarding targeting foreign misinformation and disinformation, particularly from Russia, and protecting democracy.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the importance of information and communication as a front in modern warfare and actively rebuts misinformation and disinformation from Russia and other threat sources.
Question
The MP welcomes the new Defence Secretary and echoes the previous MP's concerns about disinformation and commits to supporting Ukrainian allies.
Minister reply
The minister commits to supporting Ukraine and investing more in national defence and security, ensuring that defence-related jobs benefit constituencies such as Harlow.
Shadow Comment
Mark Francois
Shadow Comment
Mark Francois, on behalf of the shadow Defence team, welcomed the new Defence Secretary and acknowledged the UK's long-standing support for Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of the UK's military support and training provided to Ukrainian troops, noting that this has played a crucial role in Ukraine's resistance against Russia. Francois expressed concerns over reports that the British Army's training is being curtailed due to financial constraints, raising questions about the impact on operational readiness and the government's commitment to defence spending. He urged the Secretary of State to clarify the situation and to push back against any detrimental financial cuts. Francois also questioned the government's commitment to reaching a defence spending target of 3% of GDP and called for a clear timeline for this commitment.
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