Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukraine: Military Support

Monday 19 February 2024 · 9 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK Ministers have been in Washington to seek continued US support for Ukraine.
  • Discussions with EU counterparts aim to increase manufacturing capacity for ammunition.
  • The UK has provided nearly all of its heavy artillery capability and generous ammunition stocks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Ukraine
Context

The MP noted the need to address recent concerns raised by President Zelensky about shortages of arms and ammunition, amid an impasse in US Congress.

Question

I thank the Minister for that response. There is widespread support for helping Ukraine resist Russian aggression, but there are concerns given the shortage of arms and ammunition identified by President Zelensky. What discussions has the Minister had with EU counterparts to bridge this gap in the short term?

Answer from James Heappey

UK Ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary, have been in Washington to make the case for continued US support. Discussions with EU counterparts aim to increase manufacturing capacity for ammunition.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or commitments from European allies

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Q2 Clive Betts Lab Sheffield South East
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP expressed concern about potential changes in US funding due to political shifts, especially the election of President Trump.

Question

Second-guessing the outcome of the US electoral system is probably not sensible, but how will we deal with it if the election of President Trump reduces NATO spending on Ukraine?

Answer from James Heappey

European manufacturing capacity is not yet at even half the target set. It's clear that urgent ramping up of manufacturing may be necessary if worst-case scenarios come true.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a concrete plan or commitment for dealing with reduced US support

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Q3 Jeremy Quin Con
Ukraine

Question

Ukraine needs hundreds of thousands of trained personnel. Could we not be doing far more with our allies to assist Ukraine?

Answer from James Heappey

Over the past decade, 60,000 Ukrainian troops have been trained through Operations Orbital and Interflex. Training them as formations is key to unlocking their full potential.

Answered
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Q4 Ian Blackford SNP
Ukraine

Question

We need to step up the amount of ammunition and arms shipped to Ukraine. What talks are you having with our European allies?

Answer from James Heappey

Discussions happen regularly, including at donor conferences and NATO meetings, focusing on traditional armaments as well as precision weapons systems.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or commitments from European allies

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Q5 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Defence

Question

Is it not time that both sides of the House agreed on a common policy to increase defence spending, setting an example for US allies?

Answer from James Heappey

The suggestion is timely. The shadow Secretary of State has declined to commit beyond the 2% NATO target, which does not match current or intended UK spending.

Answered
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Q6 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Ukraine

Question

Will the Government provide an implementation plan to ensure Ukraine receives the necessary support now and in future years?

Answer from James Heappey

While I appreciate the historical context, there was no commitment from the right hon. Gentleman on future spending levels. The partnership with Ukraine requires a strategic approach with long-term horizons.

Not addressed: Shifted focus to criticising Labour's lack of commitment instead of addressing the question

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Q7 John Healey Lab Rawmarsh and Conisbrough
Ukraine
Context

Concerns over the allocation of £2.5 billion for Ukraine, with a specific incident where the Minister did not rule out using some funds to cover UK's operational costs at NATO bases.

Question

Long horizons are fine, but Ukraine needs more help now. I am concerned about the £2.5 billion for Ukraine that was announced last month. In response to my question last week, however, he would not rule out using that money to cover UK's operational costs at NATO bases. Will he rule that out today? Will he confirm today that every penny and every pound of the £2.5 billion for Ukraine will go to Ukraine?

Answer from James Heappey

The £2.3 billion provided for operations to support Ukraine includes not just direct gifting but also Operation Interflex and other forms of support. The commitment next year and the following year matches what we did in previous years, including supporting Ukrainian forces through various means. We are committed to a long-term strategic alliance while continuing to provide aid.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister avoided confirming whether every penny of £2.5 billion would go to Ukraine and not be used for operational costs at NATO bases.

How: Missed Something Over The Last Two Years, Broad Contribution

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Q8 Martin Docherty SNP
Ukraine
Context

At the Munich conference, Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark pledged to donate all their artillery to Ukraine. The questioner seeks a stronger commitment from the UK in line with Danish contributions.

Question

On 17 February at the Munich conference, Prime Minister Frederiksen of Denmark said: “If you ask Ukrainians, they are asking for ammunition now, artillery now.” Does the Minister not agree that allies should be more like Denmark when it comes to recognising the consequences of not meeting Ukraine's needs?

Answer from James Heappey

The UK has provided almost its entire heavy artillery capability and generous ammunition stocks while retaining necessary supplies for readiness forces. We have also catalysed local production and purchased additional ammunition globally, contributing significantly beyond our stockpiles.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q9 Martin Docherty SNP
Ukraine
Context

Czech Republic and Denmark have made significant donations of artillery and shells to Ukraine. The questioner seeks clarification on the UK's allocation towards tactical armaments.

Question

To paraphrase a former Member, the Government's response has been weighed in the balance and found wanting. Given Czech Republic's profound donations of artillery and shells, as well as a commitment from EU for over 1 million shells, I hope the Minister can correct this imbalance. Can he advise how much of this new investment is in tactical armaments?

Answer from James Heappey

The overseas ammunition acquisition plan from previous years remains broadly as it was, amounting to about 300,000 rounds bought internationally and provided to Ukraine. The £200 million additional money focuses on providing tactical drones which are proving significant in the battle space.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not specify how much of the new investment is for tactical armaments and artillery, focusing instead on drone provision.

How: Focused On Tactical Drones

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