Russia’s appalling assault on Ukraine is an unprovoked, premeditated attack against a sovereign democratic state. We have been clear all along that there would be a severe cost for any further Russian military incursion into Ukraine. We stand with the Ukrainian people in this dark hour. Even beyond the measures announced, we are prepared to take further measures to hold Russia to account for its attack on Ukraine and help those affected.
In Government:
Ever since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, I have been proud to support all of the Government’s sanction packages against Russia, blocking Putin’s revenue streams and his ability to fund this barbaric war.
In government, the UK has provided £12 billion in total support, of which over £7 billion in military support, including another £2.5 billion for 2024/25. This has allowed for the delivery of lethal and non-lethal weaponry for surveillance, intelligence and conflict. This includes the supplies of thousands of tanks, drones, medical equipment, artillery ammunition, maritime equipment, air defence systems and precision missiles - including Storm Shadow cruise missiles and Challenger 2 tanks. We have often been the first mover on additional lethal support.
The UK also instigated Operation INTERFLEX following the Russian invasion of Crimea, which has seen 30,000 Ukrainian troops trained, with a further 10,000 troops expected to be ready by summer. The UK-Ukraine Agreement on Security Co-operation has also come into force with commitments on intelligence sharing, cyber security, medical information and defence assistance.
The UK has also now sanctioned over 2,000 individuals, companies and entities targeting key resources of revenue, particularly metals, diamonds and energy trades, cutting funding from all angles. Russia has been cut from the global financial system and a new strengthened oil price cap has come into force to further deter their ability to sell oil to raise revenue. The UK has sanctioned £20 billion of Russian goods and globally over $400 billion of wealth has been removed from Russia, enough for them to fund the war effort for a further 4 years. These sanctions are having a real effect and because of this, the Russian military is struggling to obtain the equipment and weaponry they need to continue.
Putin will not stop at Ukraine and that if we allowed him a win of any form it is possible some of the Baltic states would be at risk. Finland and Sweden have now joined the NATO Alliance, something I strongly welcome. They both have years of experience training and operating with allies and have made significant contributions to NATO-led operations. They share our principles and values and the alliance’s unwavering commitment to international security and the agreements on which it is based. A strong NATO is at the heart of our ability to deter and defend against our adversaries.
As the Foreign Office Government Whip, I ensured that all sanctions against Russia became law and for my role I have personally been sanctioned by the Kremlin.
In Opposition:
I am pleased to see Labour continue our support for Ukraine. Recently, the government recommitted £3 billion a year of military support until 2030/31. There is cross-party consensus that the UK will provide support for Ukraine and its people for as long as needed.