The UK Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ukraine, detailing recent discussions with the United States on military aid.
During Defence Questions in Parliament, Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse asked about recent engagements with US counterparts on Ukraine.
Responding, Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said, “The Labour Government are delivering for defence by stepping up and speeding up support for Ukraine. In December, we announced an additional package of artillery, air defence and drones. The Defence Secretary holds regular discussions with his US counterpart on how best to support Ukraine, most recently on 16 November.”
Hobhouse highlighted the efforts of Bath and North East Somerset council in aiding Oleksandriia, Ukraine, and urged the Minister to ensure US partners are aware of the UK’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Pollard praised these local initiatives, saying, “It is vital that we continue to support not only Ukraine to stay in the fight to protect its sovereignty and freedom but those Ukrainians in the United Kingdom and in Ukraine to ensure that they can go about normal life as much as possible. The Government support that work and will continue supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Labour MP Dan Carden raised the importance of building industrial capacity and urged the Government to collaborate with regional mayors to expand defence production across the UK. Pollard emphasised the Government’s commitment to enhancing industrial capabilities:
“It is vital that we continue to support Ukraine and build our industrial capacity in the United Kingdom and across the NATO alliance to ensure that Ukraine can fight not only tonight but tomorrow. Part of that is about increasing the industrial supply of not just UK manufacturers but indigenous manufacturers within Ukraine itself.”
He added that the Government is serious about building this capacity, referencing the newly outlined defence industrial strategy, and pledged to work with partners at national, international, regional, and local levels.
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Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk
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