Durability of UK-US Relations

12 Mar

Question

The Question session in the House of Commons centered on evaluating the robustness of the UK-US relations, particularly in the context of military support for Ukraine. A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the United States' recent move to alter its military assistance to Ukraine and the UK's response to secure continued support. There were implications for diplomatic measures and the necessity for strategic communication between the allies. The dialogue highlighted the importance of assuring commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity amidst the ongoing conflict. The session underscored the value of transparent communication and active diplomatic engagement.

Outcome

The debate resulted in a reaffirmation of the UK's commitment to strong relations with the US while highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure support for Ukraine. No new policies were announced but there was reassurance regarding the continuous diplomatic undertakings between the UK and US to sustain aid to Ukraine.

Key Contributions

Dave DooganSNP MP

Scottish National Party

Inquired about the durability of UK-US relations and emphasized the significance of UK-US collaboration in peace efforts for Ukraine.

Prime Minister (Unnamed)Prime Minister

Affirmed commitment to strengthening UK-US relations and acknowledged frequent communications with the US President.

Original Transcript

Dave Doogan

Angus and Perthshire Glens

SNP

12:19

Question

UIN: 903151

Q9. If he will make an assessment of the durability of UK-US relations.

The Prime Minister

12:19

As the hon. Gentleman knows, and as the House knows, I am committed to strengthening those relations. The United States is an indispensable ally, and we are working together to try to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

I have spoken to the President on a number of occasions, including this week.

Dave Doogan

I agree with those sentiments. This week’s ceasefire negotiations are a cause for great optimism, and I welcome the efforts of the Prime Minister’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, in leading on that priority.

However, last week the Prime Minister said at the Dispatch Box, in answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen South (Stephen Flynn), that he had no knowledge of the United States’ planning to withdraw military aid from Ukraine, which the United States did the following day.

It is against that backdrop that I ask the Prime Minister—because I know he wants a just and lasting peace in Ukraine that respects Ukraine’s borders and territorial integrity—what reassurance he can give the House that when he is impressing that priority on the President of the United States, the President is actually listening.

The Prime Minister

Let me give this reassurance. As soon as that step was taken, my team and I started work to try to ensure that we could return to a situation of full support for Ukraine. I will not detail everything that was involved over the last week, but I can assure the hon.

Gentleman and the House that a huge amount of hard work, discussions and diplomacy was used with all our allies, and others, to ensure that we could get yesterday to go as well as we hoped it would.

I am pleased that we made progress—I think that is very important for Ukraine—and I am extremely pleased that support has been put in, backed by the UK. So that is what I did once I understood what had happened. I am pleased with where we have got to, but, as ever, we must go further.

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