Ukraine Territorial Integrity 2022-02-21

2022-02-21

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns over the territorial integrity of Ukraine in light of Russian aggression.
What steps his Department is taking to help protect the territorial integrity of Ukraine?
The United Kingdom is unwavering in its support for Ukraine, supporting its defence capability and regularly exercising with its armed forces. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to defend regional security.
Assessment & feedback
Steps taken specifically by the Department to protect territorial integrity were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Discussion on the value of a visit to Moscow by the Secretary of State, questioning whether defence engagement has been re-energised.
Could he expand on the value of that visit and if this means that defence engagement with Russia has been re-energised?
Diplomacy is crucial in addressing the crisis, working through NATO and OSCE for mutual risk mitigation. Dialogue plays a full part in discussions over security issues including differences.
Assessment & feedback
Specific value of the visit was not detailed; no confirmation on re-energising engagement
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns over forced evacuations of civilians from Ukraine to Russia, questioning the future role for courts in addressing these actions.
Given the reports of thousands being taken as part of forced evacuations—a clear breach of international law—what discussions have been had about any future role for courts?
The UK is signed up to relevant treaties and respects international law. Discussions focus on Russia's commitment to respecting Ukraine's sovereignty under international law.
Assessment & feedback
No specific details on discussions about court roles were provided
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Context
Request to understand further steps in providing equipment after previous build-up on borders.
Since the last announcement of defensive equipment, what plans are there now to provide further equipment?
Lethal aid has been provided alongside other countries. Effective deployment is limited in current timeframe but everything remains under review.
Assessment & feedback
No specific plans or timeline for additional equipment were detailed
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Dan Jarvis Lab
Barnsley North
Context
Concern over recent increase in Russian cyber-attacks on Ukraine.
What is the UK doing to assist Ukraine protect its critical national infrastructure from ongoing cyber-aggression?
The National Cyber Security Centre provides advice and support alongside allies to strengthen Ukraine's resilience against Russian cyber threats.
Assessment & feedback
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Q6 Partial Answer
Context
Concern over consistent reduction in numbers within UK armed forces.
Has the situation in Ukraine changed Government's mind about building up our armed forces to support Ukrainians?
The UK's armed forces are deployed across various missions. Current strength is around 78,000 for the Army; numbers remain threat-led but no immediate change from current levels is indicated.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to increasing numbers specifically due to Ukraine was made
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Chris Bryant Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Context
Discussion about perceptions within the Russian military hierarchy regarding the potential invasion of Ukraine, contrasting with official Kremlin stance.
It is very difficult to know what is going on in President Putin's mind. Does the Defence Secretary spot a difference however between the perceptions of General Gerasimov and the other generals about the wisdom or otherwise of an invasion of Ukraine and those of the Kremlin? Secondly, given that President Putin has stated that Ukrainians and Russians are the same people, would it not be phenomenally hypocritical to launch an attack on people he considers to be the same people?
There was absolutely no difference in perception between President Putin, General Gerasimov, and Minister Shoigu when I met with them. They all share a vision of Russia aligned with the Kremlin's stance. Launching attacks on people considered kin would have negative repercussions.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or commitments regarding the differences in perceptions within Russian military leadership about invading Ukraine.
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Context
Concerns over the collective efforts of NATO to deter an invasion of Ukraine, despite it not being a member.
May I join you, Mr Speaker, in welcoming our American friends to the House of Commons today? Last week I saw at first hand how UK and American efforts are working hard to support our friends in Ukraine. Does the Secretary of State agree that Ukrainian security is European security, and by committing greater support to Ukraine we are trying to prevent a war rather than start one?
I fully agree with my right hon. Friend that Ukraine is part of Europe and its stability affects all of Europe, whether it is a NATO member or not.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
John Healey Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Context
Concerns about the UK's current and future military deployments, especially following a visit to NATO HQ.
The Government have Labour's full support in assisting Ukraine in confronting Russian aggression and pursuing diplomacy. However, although the doubling of UK troops in Estonia is welcome it looks like an overlap in rotation, not a reinforcement; for how long will this double deployment last?
The overlap on relief in place can be there for as long as we like. We have forward-based armoured vehicles in Sennelager, Germany, to allow us flexibility and reconfiguration.
Assessment & feedback
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Q10 Partial Answer
John Healey Lab
Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Context
Discussion about the flaws in the Government's integrated review regarding focus on the Indo-Pacific and plans to cut Army numbers.
Does Ukraine not expose the flaws in the Government's integrated review with its focus on the Indo-Pacific and cutting British Army by another 10,000 soldiers? Will the Secretary of State halt any further Army cuts?
Alliances are crucial for our defence. We are reinvesting in NATO, spending on defence is going up to a record amount with an extra £24 billion over the comprehensive spending review period.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to halting further Army cuts specifically.
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Julian Lewis Con
New Forest East
Context
Discussion on the consequences for Ukraine of giving up its nuclear weapons unilaterally.
What lessons have our Government drawn from the consequences for Ukraine of its decision in 1994 to give up all the nuclear weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union?
Russia must honour treaties and statements to ensure mutual recognition of security. Failure to do so raises questions about trust.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific lessons learned or commitments regarding Russian assurances.
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
During his visit to the Ukrainian capital, Stewart McDonald heard concerns about missing support that Ukraine had discussed with the UK's Department of Defence.
On behalf of the Scottish National party, I welcome Speaker Pelosi and the American delegation to the Chamber. I also congratulate Team GB and yes, in particular, that fantastic curling team that so many of us have been enjoying in recent days. As the Defence Secretary knows, we have supported the Government's actions in helping Ukraine to defend itself against its neighbouring aggressor. Indeed, the Government's actions in giving military support are an act against war. However, during my visit to the Ukrainian capital a couple of weeks ago, I heard concerns at Government and parliamentary level about them still missing some support that I understand they had discussed with his Department. Will he assure us that those discussions are ongoing or give us an update?
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. On his comments about the winter Olympics, I have one of only two English curling rinks at Barton Grange in my constituency. I look forward to a Scots abroad event. We are open to all sorts of suggestions. I speak regularly to my defence counterpart in Ukraine, and it is incredibly important that, should we get through this with a diplomatic solution, we continue to help support Ukraine's resilience both in capacity building and training and in nation building to ensure that it is a strong and secure state.
Assessment & feedback
The discussions about the missing support that Stewart McDonald mentioned were not addressed directly.
I Am Grateful To The Hon. Gentleman. On His Comments About The Winter Olympics, I Have One Of Only Two English Curling Rinks At Barton Grange In My Constituency. I Look Forward To A Scots Abroad Event.
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Context
There were discussions about the new grouping between Ukraine, Poland and the United Kingdom during Stewart McDonald's visit to Ukraine.
I am grateful for that answer. I may be jumping the gun slightly—I suspect the Secretary of State might come to this in his statement after questions—but one thing we were asked about a lot there was the new grouping between Ukraine, Poland and the United Kingdom. The detail on that is not quite out there just yet. Will he update the House on exactly what the new grouping hopes to achieve? Can he give an assurance that it will complement the work of other allies, rather than overlapping it?
We are working through those details right now and, as soon as I can, I will update the hon. Gentleman and the House. It is incredibly important we recognise that Ukraine borders a number of major NATO countries that will feel the direct consequence of an invasion. It is also important that President Putin's view of many of those countries, which he himself has written down in previous essays, could continue should he be successful in Ukraine. It is therefore really important that the UK plays a strong role in reassurance not only of NATO countries, but of other friends such as Sweden and Finland.
Assessment & feedback
The specific details on what the new grouping hopes to achieve were not provided directly.
Response accuracy