Given current geopolitical events, I want to focus my latest Westminster Diary on the situation in Ukraine.
Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has inflicted devastation and caused widespread suffering to the people of Ukraine. Millions have been displaced from their homes, cities have been turned to rubble, and countless lives have been tragically lost. The war's repercussions extend far beyond Ukraine's borders and run deep into Europe. We have all felt the rising costs at home from increased food and energy prices to disrupted supply chains for business.
In November of last year, I attended the Remembrance Sunday service at St. Alphege Church in Solihull. The whole service was deeply moving, and I was struck by Ukrainian children singing traditional songs. In the Borough, we have welcomed Ukrainian refugees with open arms, with schemes such as Solihull Homes for Ukraine. Our community, much like our country, has demonstrated acts of support, kindness, and generosity towards Ukranian refugees.
Last week marked the third anniversary since the start of the Ukraine-Russia War. An invasion Putin thought would only take days to complete. However, because of the heroic efforts of the Ukrainians, under the leadership of President Zelenskyy, and the immediate support of Allied States, Russia was taken by surprise. Three years on, with the aggressors suffering from a serious depletion of troops and their economy at breaking point, Europe and Ukraine are at an inflection point.
As I put pen to paper on a Sunday afternoon, we are less than 48 hours post the spectacle which took place in the Oval Office. This was, to put it diplomatically, deeply regrettable. Decency and courtesy are the essential tenets of international relations. There can be no doubt that Putin will have been rubbing his hands in glee, having witnessed such a scene. That is why it was so important that President Zelenskyy received such an outward display of affection upon his arrival in the United Kingdom on Saturday. It was a clear message that we stand squarely behind him and the Ukrainian people against the tyranny of Putin’s Russia.
I am proud that our country is a resolute ally of Ukraine and was one of the first to come to the aid of its defence against Russian aggression. The previous Conservative Government provided significant military aid, including tanks, weapons, and training - coming only second to the United States in total aid given. We have consistently condemned Russia's actions and advocated for strong international sanctions against the Russian State. Although we have a new Labour Prime Minister, I am encouraged by Sir Keir Starmer’s words of support for the Ukranian people, particularly over the course of the last week. However, now is the time for decisive action.
In Parliament, I have consistently stood up and demonstrated my unwavering resolve for Ukraine to prevail in this war. I have been making a concerted effort in Westminster, demanding that the Government commits to two significant acts, that could turn the tide in this war.
Firstly, I have been calling on the use of the $300bn in seized Frozen Russian Assets to be transferred to Ukraine; to support their non-violent, economic, and political reconstruction. The use of these funds is critical. There is no circumstance, under international law, whereby Russia should not be made to pay reparations for their heinous actions. On 1st March, the Chancellor announced a £2.26bn bilateral loan agreement with Ukraine. For the first time, the money from the interest on frozen Russian assets in Britain will be utilised for military purposes. This is a step in the right direction. However, I will continue to press for the Government to go further. It is a wholly false distinction to distinguish between the appreciation on the assets and the principal sum itself. It is crucial we release the latter as a downpayment for the reparations Ukraine is rightly due, and for which Russia will never voluntarily pay.
Secondly, the United Kingdom now faces an escalated threat level compared to last May; when the previous Government announced its plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. Although I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement on 25th February to increase defence spending to 2.5%, it does not go far enough. This is particularly the case if the Government is planning to include the costs of the Chagos deal in the uplift. As I have highlighted before, paying for this deal is the equivalent of paying for an entire army brigade.
I will continue to put pressure on the Government to work towards the 3% target at a faster rate. This commitment would require some difficult decisions to be made, but also some straightforward ones, like cancelling the surrender of Chagos Archipelago Islands to Mauritius. However, it is not merely the amount of GDP that is spent on defence. It is also about how that money is spent to ensure it delivers the operational capability we need.
In the coming weeks, I will travel to Washington to meet with politicians and officials to discuss our shared goal of Ukraine winning sustainable peace. The United Kingdom and the United States have a unique and enduring partnership rooted in shared values, a proud history, and key strategic interests. By combining our strengths, and showing our unity, we can help Ukraine to win the war against Russia.
