Lord Anderson of Swansea debates involving the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office during the 2024 Parliament

Thu 5th Sep 2024

Ukraine

Lord Anderson of Swansea Excerpts
Thursday 5th September 2024

(1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Chapman of Darlington Portrait Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
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We are completely committed to supporting Ukraine to defend itself. I just point to our commitment to provide £3 billion per year every year until 2030-31, or for as long as is necessary.

Lord Anderson of Swansea Portrait Lord Anderson of Swansea (Lab)
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My Lords, we should give President Zelensky the long-range weapons that he needs, but surely we cannot give him a blank cheque politically. The war has entered a phase of attrition. Surely now we must ask ourselves: to what extent is it realistic to expect Russia to have a policy where it leaves entirely both Crimea and the rest of Ukraine? Otherwise, the war of attrition and stalemate will continue indefinitely.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington Portrait Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
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My view, and that of the Government, is that that assessment is for President Zelensky and the Ukrainians to reach. It is their country that has been invaded and it is for them to say on what terms, if any, they wish to negotiate.