Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Concerns about Russia's aggressive stance and increasing threats to UK security.
What assessment has been made of the level of threat from Russia, considering its illegal war against Ukraine and daily hostile activities?
Russia poses a significant and persistent threat to UK and Atlantic security. Putin's illegal war against Ukraine is now in its fifth year, and Russia conducts hostile cyber-activity, spreads disinformation and carries out sabotage against the UK and many other NATO allies almost daily.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Government increased military support to Ukraine but needs closer relationships with allies.
Given Russia's hybrid warfare threat, does the Government agree on seeking a closer relationship with the European Union within a NATO framework?
I agree with my hon. Friend that we are right to seek a closer relationship with the European Union, which has an important contribution to make, from within a “NATO first” framework. That is why, last year, we signed the security and defence partnership with the European Union.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Security experts believe Russia is conducting hybrid warfare against the UK, but this understanding isn't widespread.
Will the Government produce or increase urgency for a communication strategy to raise public awareness about Russian hybrid warfare threats?
I completely agree with my hon. Friend. We are doing more to expose the threats, and will do more still. The Russian threat against the UK is real and rising, and it is important for the public and Parliament to understand that.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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France seized sanctioned Russian vessels legally, while UK has not acted despite legal basis confirmed.
Does the Government agree that unchallenged passage of Russian vessels through UK waters signals weakness?
On the contrary, this is deterrence in action. We supported the French operation and are proud to do so. Defence stands ready to lead on our own interdiction, but we disrupt Russian shadow fleet shipping with escorted vessels and detoured tankers.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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France and other allies have no hesitation in intercepting Russian vessels, while UK's Attorney General has doubts.
Can the Government explain why the UK Attorney General is hesitant about intercepting Russian shadow fleet tankers?
The hon. Gentleman is entirely wrong in his assertion and facts. With the Attorney General, I led a meeting of 10 joint expeditionary force nations' military experts to discuss the legal basis for interdicting and seizing Russian shadow ships.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Visiting Ukraine, the MP saw total devastation and innovative counter-drone tactics.
What steps are being taken to accelerate UK-Ukraine defence cooperation in counter-drone capabilities?
The hon. Gentleman makes a really important argument. It was captured in the strategic defence review, and has been put into practice since. Within the last two weeks, I was with our troops in Estonia, close to the Russian frontline, learning lessons and implementing similar tactics and technologies.
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