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Ukrainian NATO Membership
08 December 2021
Lead MP
Daniel Kawczynski
Shrewsbury and Atcham
Con
Responding Minister
Amanda Milling
Tags
Ukraine
Word Count: 11682
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Daniel Kawczynski raised concerns about ukrainian nato membership in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.