Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Ukrainian Holodomor and the War in Ukraine

07 March 2023 · 8 other contributors · 8,360 words

Opened by Pauline Latham Con Mid Derbyshire

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Ukraine

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Pauline Latham raised concerns about ukrainian holodomor and the war in ukraine in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Pauline Latham expressed deep concerns over the Holodomor, considering it a genocide based on international law and Raphael Lemkin's definition.
  • Pauline Latham asked the Government to reconsider its position on recognising the Holodomor as genocide and requested a debate and meaningful vote in Parliament if immediate recognition is not possible.
  • The Minister confirmed that the UK is part of a G7 group examining mechanisms to support the International Criminal Court in addressing crimes in Ukraine.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member Pauline Latham asked the Government to reconsider its position on recognising the Holodomor as a genocide without waiting for court recognition, given the evidence and unique circumstances. She also requested that if this is not possible, the Minister arranges a debate and meaningful vote in Parliament to show support.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Pauline Latham Con Mid Derbyshire

The hon. Member Pauline Latham expressed deep concerns over the historical genocide of Ukrainians during the Holodomor, which she considers to be a clear case of genocide based on Raphael Lemkin's definition and international law. She highlighted that millions died due to Stalin's policy in 1932-1933, while Ukraine was not facing a natural famine. She also noted parallels with the current Russian aggression against Ukraine, stating that Putin aims to eradicate the concept of Ukraine, resembling genocide.

Other contributors (8)
  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central and Headingley

    Asked whether there should be a better and quicker process for the British Government to recognise genocides, particularly historical ones.

  • Anthony Browne Lab Carshalton and Wallington

    I congratulated my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire on securing this important debate, acknowledging that there is no doubt about the Holodomor famine being man-made and deliberate by Stalin, and that it was an attempt to wipe out the Ukrainian nation. Browne urged the Government to consider recognising the Holodomor as a genocide, noting its recognition by numerous countries including the United States Senate and EU Parliament. He also highlighted Russia's current abductions of Ukrainian children, aiming to Russify them, and stressed the importance of understanding historical context in appreciating modern Russian aggression against Ukraine.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    Expressed gratitude towards the hon. Member leading the debate and highlighted that denying the Holodomor is damaging and has real-world impacts in modern-day Ukraine. She agreed with other MPs' positions that the UK should declare the Holodomor a genocide.

  • John Howell

    Referred to a vote in the European Parliament where 507 members voted to designate the Holodomor as a genocide, indicating strong support for officially recognising it.

  • Kevin Foster Con Torbay

    Reflecting on the Holodomor, Kevin Foster highlighted its historical significance and warned against Russia's attempts to rewrite Ukraine's history. He stressed that today's conflict is about defending Ukrainian identity and autonomy from Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for ongoing international support.

  • Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op Cardiff South and Penarth

    Mr Doughty acknowledged the impact of the Holodomor on Ukraine's history, emphasising the need to recognise Russia's role in catalysing widespread starvation in 1932-33. He highlighted parallels between Stalin's actions and Putin's current aggression, citing personal accounts from those who lived through the famine as well as Gareth Jones' reportage. Mr Doughty also raised concerns about journalists facing danger to expose Russia's war crimes and called for more support in investigating war crimes. He warmly welcomed a colleague from Ukraine and expressed gratitude for the UK's support towards Ukraine. He asked about seizing frozen assets, specifically mentioning £19 billion in total with £2 billion being Russian state assets.

  • Stewart Malcolm McDonald SNP Glasgow South

    The MP referred to the work of Gareth Jones and Anne Applebaum. He also mentioned the national poet's contribution.

  • Stewart McDonald SNP Glasgow South

    Commemorates the work of the hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire and highlights the significance of the Ukrainian Holodomor, emphasizing the need to educate more people about it. Discusses the impact of recent events in Ukraine on the recognition of historical atrocities.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

The Minister thanked all contributors, especially those who highlighted the historical significance of the Holodomor and its relevance to current events in Ukraine. He confirmed that the UK is part of a G7 group examining mechanisms to support the International Criminal Court in addressing crimes in Ukraine. The minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to counter disinformation spread by Putin's regime and discussed the upcoming reconstruction conference in London where private capital will be engaged for rebuilding Ukraine. Regarding seized frozen assets, he acknowledged £19 billion in total with £2 billion being Russian state assets. The Minister also highlighted the UK's support towards investigating war crimes and supporting the judicial system of Ukraine to prosecute alleged war criminals.

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