International Special Tribunal: Ukraine — [Clive Efford in the Chair]

Praises the UK's past efforts in supporting Ukraine but expresses disappointment over President Zelensky's criticism of slowing leadership. Supports a special tribunal to hold Russia accountable for aggression, emphasizing its importance in preventing Putin from rewriting history and ensuring justice for Ukrainian victims. I think that the right hon. Lady would recognise, however, that President Zelensky cannot be accused of politicising the situation. If the Conservative party were still in power, I would have heard about it every single moment of every single day. We have been courteous in raising it and it is right to raise it because we can never again hear President Zelensky say that he is deeply concerned. Warned against historical revisionism by Putin and the need to correctly document history regarding Russia. Also discussed UK support for Ukraine, warning against political turf wars over the issue.

I remind Members to bob in their place if they intend to speak in the debate.

How we think through the special tribunal and the difficulties in establishing it have been well covered in the debate. Forty of the greatest legal minds have come together to consider the issue, including Professor Akande, a member of the UN international law commission. Would the Minister consider meeting the group to think through some of the complicated issues that are part of achieving what we all want to see, which is Putin and others facing accountability for their crimes?

The MP agreed with Layla Moran, emphasizing the importance of enforcing sanctions rigorously and addressing past failures in dealing with Putin's aggression.

Jim Shannon spoke about his advocacy for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of recognizing ongoing issues and supporting Ukrainian refugees. He discussed local efforts in Strangford to assist Ukrainians with visas, jobs, and education. Shannon called for international steps against Russian aggression and highlighted the need for accountability for war crimes committed by Russian soldiers. The hon. Member for Strangford discussed the importance of self-determination for Ukraine and used the analogy of David and Goliath to describe the current situation.

The MP highlighted the ongoing violence and devastation caused by Putin's invasion, citing a recent air attack that left seven people dead and dozens wounded. She stressed the need for accountability through an international special tribunal due to legal limitations of existing courts. Emphasised the work of a core group of over 40 states established in 2023 and highlighted the potential dangers of a second Trump presidency, stressing that international justice requires absolute stance rather than compromise.

Talked about loopholes in sanctions allowing oil service companies to do business with Russian energy firms, contributing indirectly to Moscow's war machine.

The MP thanked the hon. Lady for taking his intervention and paid tribute to Richard Foord for securing this debate, emphasizing the importance of the international rules-based system in light of recent attacks on Poltava.