Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Ukrainian NATO Membership

08 December 2021 · 3 other contributors · 11,682 words

Opened by Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

Responding minister: Amanda Milling

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Daniel Kawczynski raised concerns about ukrainian nato membership in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Speaker raises concerns about Russian aggression in Crimea and troop build-up near Ukraine's borders.
  • Speaker requests Minister to assess Ukraine's MAP application process since 2008 Bucharest summit.
  • Speaker asks about British efforts to address vessel access restrictions in the Sea of Azov.

Key requests to Government

The speaker requests that the Minister assess the status of Ukraine's MAP application process since the Bucharest summit declaration of 2008 and provide details on British efforts to support this. He also asks about restrictions on vessels accessing the Sea of Azov.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Daniel Kawczynski Con Shrewsbury and Atcham

The speaker is concerned about the violation of Ukrainian security, especially due to Russian aggression in Crimea and the build-up of troops near Ukraine's borders. He mentions the death of a Syrian child on the Poland-Belarus border and the exploitation of refugees by Lukashenko under Putin's influence. The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is also highlighted as a threat to central and eastern European security, along with cyber-attacks and assassinations in Britain. Concerns over ethnic cleansing in Crimea and restrictions on vessel access through the Kerch strait are raised.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon supported the debate and praised Ukraine's efforts to secure NATO membership. He highlighted historical atrocities committed by Russia against Ukrainians, including a famine that resulted in 6 million deaths. He urged for more direct military support from NATO and encouraged the USA to increase its commitment to Ukraine. Shannon also emphasised the importance of addressing human rights abuses and religious freedoms in eastern Ukraine. Asked the Minister for an update on what happened between Biden and Putin, in reference to previous contributions.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    He highlighted the close ties between Wales, Cardiff and Ukraine, referencing historical connections. He emphasised unity in support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. He raised concerns about Russia's military build-up near Ukraine, citing expert analysis of troop numbers. Doughty questioned the UK government on potential financial sanctions against Nord Stream 2 and efforts to reduce Europe's energy dependency on Russia.

  • Stewart McDonald Lab Glasgow North West

    Mr McDonald acknowledged the military backdrop and two important anniversaries related to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for more support and recognition of the conflict's impact. He cited 14,985 deaths and over 1 million displaced civilians due to the war in eastern Ukraine and Crimea annexation issues. He urged a stronger stance against Russia's claims on NATO membership veto, advocating for further military and diplomatic support for Ukraine. I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for reminding me of a point I wanted to make about the special monitoring mission. I take the point that the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham made about breaches of agreements, but does the shadow Minister agree that it remains more than a bit absurd that the Russian Government are a party to that special monitoring mission and are therefore marking their own homework, as the fomenter of the conflict in eastern Ukraine?

Government Response

Amanda Milling

The UK remains committed to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. NATO allies have reiterated their support for Ukraine's membership aspirations since the 2008 Bucharest summit declaration. The Foreign Secretary took part in the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting at Riga last week where she discussed the current situation with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister. She also mentioned that the UK will continue to provide military and defence training, as well as other forms of support such as capacity building for cyber and logistics expertise.

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