25 Feb
Question
Topical Questions

In this Question session in the House of Commons, significant issues relating to foreign policy, international security, and humanitarian concerns were raised. The session prominently focused on the circumstances in Ukraine, Gaza, and British diplomatic relations with countries like Egypt and Norway.

The session began with considerable emphasis on the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe, with speakers highlighting the UK's efforts in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. The necessity of international cooperation to effectively seize Russian assets and facilitate Ukraine's sovereignty was addressed. Mr. Lammy, engaging in this discussion, stressed the importance of acting in concert with European allies to transit from freezing assets to actively seizing them for Ukraine's benefit.

Debate then shifted towards the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, where speakers urged continued UK support and coordination with countries like Jordan and Egypt to promote peace.

The latter part of the session focused on the UK's diplomatic standing and its defense mechanisms against threats from Russia, Iran, and China. There was a call for the UK to enhance its defense spending, and a revisitation of the foreign influence registration scheme was demanded for greater national security.

Humanitarian issues were notably raised, particularly concerning the health crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need for Israel to allow safe passage for medical necessities. Concerns were also voiced over the condition of British-Egyptian prisoners, demonstrating the UK's diplomatic engagement in advocating for human rights.

21% inflation rate in Russia

This was highlighted as a consequence of international sanctions against Russia.

Outcome:

9% Russian inflation rate

Indicating economic repercussions faced by Russia due to ongoing sanctions.

The session yielded several commitments from the UK Government. Firstly, there was an affirmation of continued support for Ukraine and the Middle East peace process. The UK aims to strengthen ties with its international partners, taking measures like implementing increased sanctions against Russia and revisiting internal legislative measures to bolster national security. Humanitarian efforts are also in focus, with promises to address health crises in conflict zones and ensure diplomatic dialogues effectively support human rights.

£12.3 billion trade package

Part of the newly signed trade agreement between the UK and Iraq.

Outcome

The session conveyed a firm commitment towards international solidarity to address global conflicts and emphasized UK’s role in fostering diplomatic solutions. The focus remains on enhancing security measures and humanitarian support through legislative and diplomatic means.

Key Contributions

Alison BennettMember of Parliament
Liberal Democrats

Pressed the Government on emergency legislation to seize Russian assets for Ukraine's support, referencing Trump's talks with Putin.

Mr LammyForeign Secretary

Discussed bilateral assistance to Ukraine and the importance of seizing Russian assets with international allies. Confirmed UK's dedication to justice and accountability for Russia's actions.

Joe MorrisMember of Parliament
Labour

Queried on UK's support for Gaza ceasefire and collaborations with international partners for lasting peace.

Priti PatelShadow Foreign Secretary
Conservative

Questionned about prosecuting Russia's invasion and implementing a foreign influence registration scheme.

Debbie AbrahamsMember of Parliament
Labour

Inquired about UK response to ICJ's opinion on Israeli settlements.

Calum MillerLiberal Democrat Spokesperson
Liberal Democrats

Raised concerns over the imprisonment of a British-Egyptian activist and his mother's health, seeking UK's diplomatic intervention.

Jacob CollierMember of Parliament
Labour

Questioned UK's defence strategy against Russian aggression in the high north.

Monica HardingMember of Parliament
Liberal Democrats

Sought confirmation on maintaining UK's development budget to prevent wars, despite increased defense spending.

Fred ThomasMember of Parliament
Labour

Inquired on deterrence measures against further Russian invasions in Europe.

Robin SwannMember of Parliament
UUP

Queried about the Northern Ireland Executive's foreign engagement reporting with China.

Joe PowellMember of Parliament
Labour

Praised UK's sanctions on Russia and called for China to stop aiding Russia's military.

Dr Al PinkertonMember of Parliament
Liberal Democrats

Highlighted the need for carbon monoxide warnings in UK travel advisories to save lives.

Sonia KumarMember of Parliament
Labour

Requested UK's intervention for safe medical evacuations out of Gaza.

Mr James CleverlyConservative Member
Conservative

Stressed on synchronizing defense and diplomatic efforts to boost UK’s international influence.

Sadik Al-HassanMember of Parliament
Labour

Excited about UK-Iraq relations, queried on reducing trade barriers.

Original Transcript
Alison Bennett
Mid Sussex
LD
Question
UIN: 902826

T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Mr David Lammy

As I set out in the House yesterday, securing a lasting peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty for the long term is essential. To achieve this, Europe and the United States must provide the support Ukraine needs to stay strong, and Ukraine must be at the heart of any talks.

The UK is playing a leading role on assistance to Ukraine, on pressure on Russia and on keeping our allies united.

Alison Bennett
12:19

Will the Government bring forward emergency legislation to seize frozen Russian assets and ensure they are repurposed to support Ukraine in the wake of Trump’s talks with Putin? If not, can the Foreign Secretary explain why?

Mr Lammy

The hon. Lady raises an important issue. It is not something on which any Government can act alone; we must act with European allies. It was a topic of conversation at the G7 and at the Weimar group.

Of course, Europe has to act quickly, and I believe we should move from freezing assets to seizing assets.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Mr Hamish Falconer

I can confirm that we will continue to support the ceasefire deal through all three of its phases, which we hope to see concluded in full. I am working with international partners, as are other Ministers; I saw the Jordanian and Egyptian ambassadors on this question just last week.

Mr Speaker
12:20

I call the shadow Foreign Secretary.

Priti Patel
Witham
Con
12:21

This House stands united with the people of Ukraine.

In the light of Putin’s brutality towards the people of Ukraine, what discussions will the Foreign Secretary be having with allies, including his American counterpart, on the international effort to prosecute Russia for the invasion of Ukraine and the sheer barbarism it has inflicted on the people of Ukraine?

Mr Lammy
12:21

I am grateful to the right hon. Lady for raising the issue of justice and accountability. As she knows, this work was begun under the previous Government, when we led the world in ensuring there were sufficient funds in Ukraine.

The Foreign Office supports lawyers working in Ukraine to gather evidence; I will never forget the scenes that I saw in Bucha and the victims I stood with. The UK will not let up on justice. When it comes to accountability, Putin should pay—not the British and European people.

Priti Patel
12:22

Russia, Iran and China all pose threats to Britain, and they go out of their way to do us harm.

Can the Foreign Secretary explain why the Government have yet to implement the foreign influence registration scheme, which the previous Government legislated for, and can he confirm when it will come in and whether China will be on the enhanced tier?

Mr Lammy

Again, the right hon. Lady raises an important issue. We inherited a process that was not quite working; she knows of the issues. We will come forward shortly with our plans for the foreign influence registration scheme.

Debbie Abrahams
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Lab
12:22
Question
UIN: 902829

T3.   The International Court of Justice delivered its advisory opinion last July, in which it made crystal clear that the illegal settlements at that time were just that—unlawful. Yet we have seen threats to displace Gazans and tanks on the west bank.

When will the Government deliver their response to the advisory opinion? Will it be before the conference in Switzerland in a few weeks?

Mr Speaker
12:23

I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

Calum Miller
Bicester and Woodstock
LD
12:23

The whole House will be shocked to learn the worrying news that the mother of British-Egyptian political prisoner Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Laila Soueif, was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital last night. She is 68 years old and has been on hunger strike now for 149 days.

Will the Foreign Secretary update us on whether the Prime Minister has spoken to the Egyptian President to secure the release of Alaa Abd el-Fattah and allow Laila to break her strike?

Mr Falconer

The whole House is engaged in this case, and we are all hoping for Laila’s health. The Prime Minister recently met Laila and the rest of her family—a meeting I was pleased to join—and has undertaken to make every effort to ensure Alaa’s release. We will continue to do so.

Jacob Collier
Burton and Uttoxeter
Lab
Question
UIN: 902831

T4. On a recent visit to Camp Viking, I witnessed the vital role that this hub for UK commando forces in the high north plays in our strategic defence efforts.

What engagement has the Minister had with our Norwegian counterparts to counter Russian aggression and strengthen our collective security in the region?

The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Stephen Doughty

I am delighted that my hon. Friend has visited those incredible commandos during their training. I, too, have visited our Royal Marines and Army commandos in the high north in Norway and witnessed the vital role that they play in our strategic defence efforts.

The UK and Norway work closely together as NATO and joint expeditionary force allies. Our Prime Minister signed a strategic partnership agreement in December, and, last week, the Defence Secretary visited Norway to launch a new agreement on deeper defence co-operation.

I and the Foreign Secretary have also visited our counterparts, and I can tell my hon. Friend that security and defence co-operation were absolutely at the heart of our efforts and discussions with our Norwegian friends.

Monica Harding
Esher and Walton
LD
Question
UIN: 902833

T6. President Trump and Elon Musk slashing US aid was a great day for Russia and China. Will the Foreign Secretary avoid giving them another great day by committing to protect the UK’s development budget, even as we raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP?

As he knows, preventing wars is cheaper than fighting them.

Mr Lammy

I am proud of the work that the UK has done over many decades in relation to development: the work that I have seen in Ukraine, in Gaza and in Sudan. All of that work will, of course, continue.

Fred Thomas
Plymouth Moor View
Lab
Question
UIN: 902832

T5. The security of Europe is absolutely paramount. What new steps is the Secretary of State taking to deter Russia from further invading European borders given that we are now in a new situation of ongoing negotiations?

Mr Lammy

I was very pleased yesterday to announce one of this country’s biggest ever sanctions packages, which will bear down further on Russia’s shadow fleet. I remind my hon. Friend that interest rates are running at 21% in Russia and inflation is running at 9%.

We are doing a lot to take off the table money that Putin uses to fund his war machine.

Robin Swann
South Antrim
UUP

In January, a Minister in the Foreign Office said that they would challenge the Northern Ireland Executive to be more robust in their reporting of international affairs and meetings.

At the start of this month, the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister met again with the Chinese consul, but still no details of that meeting or previous meetings have been reported or shared. Has that challenge been made, and what was the response?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Catherine West

We regularly engage with Northern Ireland on all matters of foreign policy. However, this Chinese consular matter is not something that Ministers can discuss at the Dispatch Box.

Joe Powell
Kensington and Bayswater
Lab
Question
UIN: 902834

T7. I warmly welcome the massive sanctions package announced yesterday by the Government, but does the Foreign Secretary agree that China should be taking a significantly more proactive role in preventing its companies from supplying Russia’s military?

Stephen Doughty

I thank my hon. Friend for his praise and support for the action that the Foreign Secretary has just mentioned. This was our largest ever sanctions package since the start of Russia’s illegal and barbarous invasion.

We and our G7 allies are absolutely clear on the principle that Russia must pay for the damage that it is causing to Ukraine, and we of course look at third country routes by which support is being given to Russia’s illegal actions in Ukraine.

As part of the package announced yesterday we are taking a number of steps in that regard, including with companies in China.

Mr Falconer

I can confirm that I will be adding information to our dedicated page for independent travellers to highlight the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning globally. I shall be writing to Cathy Foley, who I was moved to meet, and to the hon. Member.

Sonia Kumar
Dudley
Lab
12:29

Gaza’s healthcare system has been devastated, and many civilians are in desperate need of treatment and specialist care, which is not available in Gaza itself.

Will the Minister ensure that the Government continue to raise with Israel the importance of allowing safe passage out of Gaza for those children in need of urgent medical treatment? Will they consider additional evacuation routes for critically unwell children?

The Minister for Development
Anneliese Dodds
12:30

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that important question. We have been working closely with Egypt, which has sought to support many of those requiring medical assistance.

Across Government we continue to look carefully at this issue, but Gazans need healthcare support in Gaza, and the UK Government have been supporting that.

Mr James Cleverly
Braintree
Con
12:30

As I am sure those on the Treasury Bench know, soft power and diplomacy are most effective when they are backed up by hard power.

When will the Government commit to spending 3% of GDP on defence, to make sure that we have a real voice at the international table to encourage European countries to increase their defence spending?

Mr Lammy
12:30

Why did the right hon. Gentleman not decide to do that? The Conservatives left it to this Government to get back to 2.5%, which we last had under a Labour Government. The right hon. Gentleman should have done it, and we are going to do it.

Sadik Al-Hassan
North Somerset
Lab
12:31

I look forward to seeing relations between the UK and Iraq blossom in the years to come under this Labour Government. Will the Minister share the recent conversations that he has had with Iraqi counterparts on reducing barriers to trade, such as diverging trade regimes?

Mr Falconer

I was very pleased to meet the Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr Fuad Hussein during the official visit of Prime Minister Al Sudani to the UK from 14 to 16 January.

During that visit our two Prime Ministers signed the landmark partnership and co-operation agreement, a wide-ranging treaty on trade and strategic co-operation, and announced a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion.

All content derived from official parliamentary records