Context
The UK has committed to supporting Ukraine but there is ongoing debate over the seizing of billions in frozen Russian assets held in UK banks. The questioner raises concerns about delays in taking action, which could result in lost opportunities for asset utilization.
Question
What diplomatic steps his Department is taking to support Ukraine? If that is the case, why do the Government continue to prevaricate over seizing billions of pounds in frozen assets held in UK banks, which could be used to build Ukraine defenses? The longer we delay, the more likely it is that those funds will become wrapped up in other negotiations and we will lose the chance altogether.
Answer from The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Mr David Lammy)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising the issue, but it is not an issue on which the Government should act unilaterally. It is a multilateral issue on which we should act with our G7 partners and our European partners, recognising that some partners in Europe are hugely exposed. The best way in which to move forward is to pool those assets, and discussions on that are ongoing.
Not addressed: The specific request for unilateral action was not addressed; instead, the response emphasizes multilateral action with European partners.
How: Multilateralism
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