Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukraine: NATO Allies

Monday 13 March 2023 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has deployed RAF patrols over Romania and Lithuania and contributed to NATO air activity across Europe.
  • NATO supports the work being done by friends of Ukraine and will strengthen its eastern flank to provide deterrence.
  • The size of the battle group in Estonia was doubled, and contributions have been made to EFP battlegroups in Poland and Romania.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Ukraine Defence Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has been providing support to its NATO allies in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Question

What steps the Government are taking to support NATO allies in responding to the invasion of Ukraine?

Answer from James Heappey

The UK has provided substantial support to our NATO allies, including deploying RAF patrols over Romania and Lithuania, contributing to NATO air activity across Europe. The Army has been deployed in Bulgaria, Romania, and Estonia, and the Royal Navy has completed a major European deployment from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. The UK continues to strengthen interoperability with Finland and Sweden.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

NATO allies need to work on military, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Question

Are the Government working with NATO allies to set up a full 2023 action plan for Ukraine specifically—for military, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support?

Answer from James Heappey

NATO is not directly involved in the planning or support of Ukraine's war effort. However, NATO supports the work being done by friends of Ukraine and will strengthen its eastern flank to provide deterrence against any escalation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of a full action plan for military, economic, diplomatic and humanitarian support specifically from NATO in 2023

How: Draw An Important Distinction, Nato Is Not Involved

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Defence
Context

UK's support for its NATO allies is crucial in the context of Russia's illegal invasion.

Question

What steps is the UK taking to ensure that our NATO obligations in respect of enhanced forward presence are completely fulfilled?

Answer from James Heappey

The size of the battle group in Estonia was doubled, and contributions have been made to EFP battlegroups in Poland and Romania. There will be a new NATO regional defence plan, which is under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on fulfilling obligations completely

How: Very Much Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Stephen Crabb Con
Defence
Context

The Franco-British summit resulted in renewed efforts to strengthen European security.

Question

Does the Minister agree that renewing the bilateral defence partnership with France is an important part of not just strengthening NATO but enhancing European security, particularly in the east?

Answer from James Heappey

The relationship between UK and French Defence Ministries remains tight. Industrial collaboration will grow as a result of last week's summit, and both countries can work together in west Africa.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific importance to NATO and European security

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email