Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the diplomatic steps the UK is taking to support Ukraine against Russian aggression.
What diplomatic steps he is taking to support Ukraine, given the intensification of Russian aggression in recent weeks?
This Government are determined to follow the leadership of every British Government since the Russian invasion and stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine against Russian aggression. My first Foreign Minister call was with my Ukrainian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sybiha, and I had the privilege of meeting President Zelenski, alongside the Prime Minister, in my second week in this role.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details on diplomatic actions beyond meetings and solidarity statements are not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the credibility of military pledges to support Ukraine, specifically the commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defence by 2030.
The Government rightly champion long-term support for Ukraine and deterrence against Russian aggression, but that diplomatic approach has to be backed up by credible pledges on military capability. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that this Government are committed to spending 3% of GDP on defence by 2030?
These are matters for the Chancellor to determine, as the hon. Gentleman well knows, but I say this specifically on Ukraine: we will do whatever is necessary to support the Government of Ukraine.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to 3% GDP spending on defence is not confirmed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the spread of Russian state propaganda through Meta, targeting individuals with threats against Britain's assistance to Ukraine.
We know that the Kremlin uses disinformation and misinformation to thwart Ukraine's effort and that of its allies in the fight against Russian aggression. In recent weeks, there has been evidence that Meta has permitted Russian state propaganda, including threats that Britain should be punished for its assistance to Ukraine, to be targeted at individuals. What steps are the Foreign Office and the Government more widely taking to hold Meta to account?
On the end point made by the hon. Gentleman, Russia can make its threats, but we will not be deterred from our solidarity and support for Ukraine. I undertake to work on that, and specifically on the Meta issue that he raised, with my colleagues across Government.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps against Meta are not detailed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the speed of procurement and delivery of weapons to Ukraine, highlighting the importance of timely support.
I congratulate the Foreign Secretary and the ministerial team, and I wish them well. In recent months I have been proud, alongside the former Prime Minister, to negotiate the UK's participation in the EU support loan for Ukraine. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that, going forward, there should be no unnecessary delays in procurement, and that the kit and the weapons need to get to the frontline in Ukraine, where they are needed, as soon as possible?
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent job that my right hon. Friend did in government on Europe and those very difficult negotiations. I pay tribute to him for the brilliance with which he undertook that. The answer to his substantive question is: absolutely, yes.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to avoid delays are not detailed
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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The MP is concerned about the 20,610 Ukrainian children stolen by Russia since the start of its illegal war and the need to continue the Government's work in this area.
Members across this House remain deeply concerned about the 20,610 Ukrainian children stolen by Russia since the start of its illegal war. My right hon. Friend's predecessor established this country's proud record on that issue, committing £4 million to tracing efforts that have located more than 1,000 children, imposed more than 130 sanctions and supported Ukraine in establishing a special tribunal for the crime of aggression. Will the new Foreign Secretary commit to working with me to continue the Government's vital work in that area?
I pay tribute to the work of my hon. Friend and other Members across the House on this incredibly important and profound issue. I can say yes, 100%, I commit to working with her and other Members from all parties on this issue.
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The MP is concerned about the Russian response to Britain's decision to share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine, threatening British factories with attacks.
We remain steadfast in our support for the Ukrainian people and in our determination that Putin must not prevail. Russia has responded to Britain's decision to share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine by threatening British factories with attacks from so-called unknown sources. Mr Speaker, you will know as well as I do the worry that this will cause for workers and residents in places such as Warton and Samlesbury in Lancashire, and across the country. With Putin continuing to reject meaningful steps towards peace, what formal representations has the Foreign Secretary made to Moscow in response, and what diplomatic action is he co-ordinating with our NATO allies to increase international pressure on Russia?
I endorse absolutely the spirit and substance of the hon. Gentleman's important question. Let us be clear where the aggression comes from: it comes from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the wider threat to our allies. I say very clearly that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine and we will not be intimidated by Russian threats.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific formal representations and diplomatic actions are not detailed
Response accuracy