House of Commons · Westminster Hall
24 May 2022 · 5 other contributors · 7,863 words
Opened by Jonathan Djanogly Con Huntingdon
Responding minister: Amanda Milling
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jonathan Djanogly raised concerns about georgia and the war in ukraine in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
I ask the Government to recognise occupied territories in Georgia as such, provide Georgia with weapons for self-defence, and learn from past mistakes by ensuring readiness to prevent conflicts before they escalate. I also request information on the number of Russians fleeing to Georgia and the UK following Russian actions in Ukraine.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the ongoing threat to Georgia presented by Russia, which has occupied roughly 20% of the country since 2008. The delegation I was part of witnessed significant internal displacement and economic decline in areas under Russian occupation. Additionally, there is a pattern of Russia's use of disinformation, cyber-warfare, and provocative actions that has been consistently recurring in Georgia, much like in Ukraine now.
Welcomed the debate on Georgia and Ukraine, praised the hon. Member for Huntingdon for his balanced introduction, highlighted Georgia's aspirations to be a western country and its right to choose its own associations. Emphasised the importance of supporting Georgia's democratic reform through EU accession processes, and expressed concern over Russian state interference in Georgia and other countries.
He highlighted the pro-European sentiment in Georgia and noted that Russia's occupation of 20% of Georgian territory since 2008, alongside Crimea's annexation by Russia in 2014, has emboldened Putin. Clifton-Brown visited South Ossetia and described the eerie atmosphere on the line of control where Russian military forts are strategically placed every 7 kilometres along the border. Asked the Minister about facilitating greater trade between the UK and Georgia by establishing a direct air link, suggesting this would be beneficial for both countries.
Jessica Morden highlighted the strong ties between Wales and Georgia, including a long-standing twinning association. She expressed concern about Russia's potential to invade Georgia at any time due to historical aggressions like the 2008 assault. Morden emphasised the importance of NATO membership for Georgia as a matter of democratic governance and security against Russian aggression. She called for increased support from the UK government in strengthening Georgian resilience and cleaning up money laundering activities linked to Russia.
Mr Doughty reiterates Labour's commitment to defending peace, democracy, and liberty in Ukraine and Georgia. He highlights the parallels between Russia's actions towards both countries, emphasizing the need for unity against Russian aggression. He also points out the historical precedent of Russia's invasion of Georgia in 2008, which led to significant human costs including civilian deaths and displacement of 200,000 people.
Declared an interest as a recent visitor to Georgia, highlighted the historical experience of Soviet violence against Georgia, emphasizing that this is not the first time Georgia faces aggression from its neighbour.
Government Response
Amanda MillingIt is a real pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Mark. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon (Mr Djanogly) on securing this important debate. The United Kingdom fully supports Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, with diplomatic relations being the strongest they have been since resuming 30 years ago. We continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of Russia's illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, which has had dire consequences for the Black sea region, confirming Georgia's view that it will never be safe until it joins the EU and NATO. Despite Russian aggression against Georgia, including its recognition of breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia following the 2008 war, Russia continues to exert control over Georgia through hybrid attacks, trade restrictions, and economic and political pressure. The UK remains a steadfast supporter of Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, using our influential role in the Council of Europe, OSCE and UN to call on Russia to withdraw its troops from Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We condemn recent announcements by the de facto authorities in South Ossetia regarding illegal referenda on membership of the Russian Federation. The UK supports Georgia's aspirations for EU membership, including its recent application, believing that no third country should have a veto over Georgia's decision. The UK will continue to support Georgia in implementing the EU association agreement and NATO commitments, encouraging all allies to deliver on substantial NATO-Georgia package commitments made under the Madrid NATO leaders summit in June. We are keen to re-establish our maritime presence in the Black sea region and expand co-ordination among international allies.