UK-US Discussions: Reducing International Tension

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Lords Chamber

Question

15:08

Asked by

[Lord Campbell-Savours]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what discussions they plan to hold with the government of the United States of America regarding reducing international tension.

[Captain of the King’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard and Deputy Chief Whip (Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent) (Lab)]

My Lords, the United Kingdom and the United States share one of the closest alliances in the world. Our partnership is rooted in deep economic, defence, security and intelligence co-operation. The UK Government work closely with the United States Government to support de-escalation, encourage diplomatic solutions and address the causes of conflict and instability wherever they arise. We will continue to do so, to address shared international challenges and to promote peace, stability and prosperity.

[The Lord Speaker (Lord Forsyth of Drumlean)]

The noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, is contributing remotely. I invite the noble Lord to speak.

[Lord Campbell-Savours (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, this being my 46th oral intervention since March 2014 questioning our strategy on Ukraine, have Ministers considered the compromise proposal that I put to the House on 15 September calling for the creation of protectorate or international protectorate status in eastern Ukraine, to include much of Donetsk and Luhansk, underpinned by guarantees from the major powers, to include the United States, Europe and Russia? This approach could avoid parties to the conflict having to back down in humiliation and, if accepted, could bring de-escalation and peace in Europe and help restore stability in the international economy. Can we take the lead in ending this conflict?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I am well aware of the noble Lord’s history and commitment in this area. I think I need to state yet again from this Dispatch Box that the British Government’s commitment to Ukraine is steadfast and will continue to be so, which is why we have given $7 billion in 2026 in support of its defence, and why it was so good to see President Zelensky here last week. The one point where the noble Lord is right is that ultimately this conflict will be ended by negotiation, but that will be a decision for President Zelensky to make.

[Lord Bruce of Bennachie (LD)]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, should remember that the guarantors that he is looking for are the people who signed the Budapest agreement, which they have now ripped up. Does the Minister nevertheless agree that what contributes most to international tension at the moment is the lack of clarity and consistency from the White House? Does the US have any idea how to end the war in Iran? How do lifting sanctions from Russia and disrupting Starlink, compromising Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian attacks, lead to stability? Can the UK persuade the US that disruption and uncertainty do not constitute effective foreign policy?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, our relationship with the US is deep and considered, and obviously we engage with our colleagues in the US Administration at every level every day. On Ukraine and ongoing negotiations, obviously we support every effort that could bring this war to an end that protects the sovereign integrity of Ukraine. We fully support US efforts to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are in close contact with all partners in support of peace, and we will continue to be so.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I associate myself completely with the Minister’s remarks. The noble Lord, Lord Campbell-Savours, has asked 46 Questions on this subject, and in my view that is 46 too many.

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I want to ask the Minister about a separate issue with regard to our relations with the US: Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, has been increasingly aggressive in his rhetoric on the Falkland Islands, which are and will remain British. Has there been any further update to the United States’s position on the Falkland Islands following the Prime Minister’s meeting with President Trump?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I share the Opposition’s steadfast support for the people of the Falkland Islands. I have indeed been and met many Falkland Islanders—and I got to see the penguins, which was a delight. The UK Government have made our position on the Falklands very clear, including with the US Administration, and we will continue to do so. Our relationship with the Falkland Islands is a modern one, based on partnership, shared values and the right of the Falkland Islands to determine their own future. There can be no dialogue on sovereignty unless the Falkland Islanders wish it to be so. The UK is clear: only they will decide their future.

[Lord Singh of Wimbledon (CB)]

Does the Minister agree that a person who constantly attacks the UN, sanctions members of the International Criminal Court and acts like a cheap market trader constantly looking for deals—even to the extent of helping Russia in its aggression against Ukraine—cannot help the move towards peace? Does she further agree that a foreign policy that divides countries into friends and enemies is seriously dated, and that instead we should be looking to what Sikhs call Sarbat da bhala—the wider interests of wider humanity?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, the United Kingdom is a member of the UN Security Council and a founder member of NATO. We have significant roles within the Commonwealth. Our position on the international stage is clear in terms of our responsibilities, and of course we work with allies every day to ensure stability in the global order. This is a Government who believe that the international rule of law is dependent on global stability, and we will continue to make those arguments in every forum.

[Lord Beamish (Lab)]

My Lords, I agree with my noble friend about the strong relationship with the United States of America on defence and intelligence. There is one simple solution to the Ukraine conflict: President Putin could stop his aggression. Does my noble friend agree that, despite what comes out of the White House, there is widespread cross-party support in the Senate and Congress for the people of Ukraine?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I would be foolish to disagree with my noble friend on any issue, and definitely on our intelligence relationship with the US. My noble friend is absolutely right: there is support for Ukraine in both Houses and within the White House.

[Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne (Con)]

My Lords, the United States is in a particularly difficult situation at the moment with the midterms. Having worked this week with Sir Christian Turner at the Smithsonian in Washington, I ask the Minister to confirm that she is doing everything possible to support the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We do not even have an ambassador to Syria yet. Can she please make Foreign and Commonwealth Office staffing one of her topmost priorities?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Baroness gives me more authority than I have; I wish I had slightly more, but I do not. However, I will speak to colleagues about outstanding appointments.

[Lord Rogan (UUP)]

My Lords, I am sure that many in this House will have read the characteristically astute analysis offered on Monday by the noble Lord, Lord Hague, of the ever-increasing threat posed to Taiwan by Donald Trump’s recklessness and obsession with pleasing both Xi and Putin. As the noble Lord, Lord Hague, rightly pointed out, the problems faced by Taiwan could heighten significantly when the three leaders get together at the Asia-Pacific summit in China just over a month from now. Can the Minister assure the House that His Majesty’s Government are making their views known forcefully to the Trump Administration, and that the United Kingdom will not simply stand aside and allow these three men to override freedom and democracy, not only in Ukraine but in Taiwan?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Lord raises a very important point. As ever, the commentary from the noble Lord, Lord Hague, was insightful and considered. The UK’s long-standing position on Taiwan remains unchanged. The UK maintains that the Taiwan issue should be settled peacefully by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue and without the threat or use of force or coercion. We have been consistent in restating this, alongside our G7 partners.

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords, I begin by associating the Green Party with the Minister’s comments on Ukraine. Washington, or rather the Pentagon, with the Department of Energy, is currently engaging in a nuclear posture review. Unlike previous reviews, it excludes the State Department and the National Security Council, and it has been said that the review will not be public, which breaks with precedent. The review is expected to allow additional options for limited nuclear use intended for regional conflicts. The Minister has stressed several times our close relationship with the US; is the UK speaking to the US about this nuclear posture review?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

I will write to the noble Baroness.

[Lord Cromwell (CB)]

My Lords, I do not think it is a secret that the President of the United States hankers after a Nobel Peace Prize. I wonder whether part of our foreign policy could be aiding him in that goal by explaining to him what is involved in bringing peace, rather than pandering to countries that invade each other.

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

To think I spoke briefly so I could get the noble Lord in—I thank the noble Lord for his question. He is absolutely right that bringing people together is an important part of global stability; it is why we are a member of so many international fora. We will continue to work with the US Administration and all our allies to ensure stability where there is significant conflict.