Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from regular diplomatic discussions between UK and German officials concerning the war in Ukraine.
What recent discussions has he had with his German counterpart on the war in Ukraine?
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I regularly speak to our ministerial counterparts on a range of issues, including the war in Ukraine. He met Foreign Minister Baerbock at the UK-German strategic dialogue on 7 March in Berlin to reaffirm our commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns have been raised by the head of the German Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, regarding security lapses that may compromise NATO security and British troop presence in Ukraine.
Does he agree with the statement made by August Hanning, former director general of German intelligence, that NATO security and British troops had their existence in Ukraine compromised due to a security lapse by Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz?
I appreciate my hon. Friend's motivation in asking that question. We should keep in mind that our relationship with Germany on supporting Ukraine is strong, united and deeply co-operative. Together we are delivering the fighting edge that our friends in Ukraine need.
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Assessment & feedback
The compromise of NATO security
We Should Keep In Mind
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Frustration has been expressed about the slow pace of delivering weapons support for Ukraine from European countries, including Germany and the UK.
What is he doing to turn the 'slow yes' on weapon delivery for Ukraine into a quick one? Does this not make a case for a comprehensive defence agreement between Britain and the EU?
No, it does not, but we continue to work very energetically and closely with our friends across Europe, including at the recently convened French summit, to ensure that the heft and military capability of all Ukraine's allies are brought to bear in increasing Ukraine's fighting edge.
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Assessment & feedback
The case for a comprehensive defence agreement
No, It Does Not
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The defence, security, and foreign policy relationship between Germany and the UK is crucial for mutual support in the context of Ukraine. The hon. Gentleman will meet German counterparts to discuss these issues.
Will he give more detail on discussions with German counterparts regarding speeding up weapon delivery, bolstering diplomatic coalition, and using frozen Russian assets to fund urgent needs for Ukraine?
The hon. Gentleman asks a characteristically intelligent and pertinent question. We are working together to increase defence industrial capability. Some new ideas have come out of the French summit about increasing domestic capability for our Ukrainian friends. A lot of diplomatic support goes into that. On frozen assets, he will have seen recent thinking from the European side about using the interest payments from those funds, which we will consider. We need to find a reliable legal route, if that is to be sustainable.
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Assessment & feedback
A comprehensive legal route for using frozen assets
We Need To Find A Reliable Legal Route
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