Ukraine: Forcible Removal of Children

Debate between Lord Banner and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Monday 24th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I am reluctant to get into dissecting the 28-point plan and the things that have been put forward. The issue of children has absolutely been raised, and it is vital that those children are returned. That is the position that we and everybody else constantly make clear throughout any discussions.

[Lord Banner (Con)]

My Lords, what is the Government’s strategy if it becomes apparent that the only deal the United States of America will back is one that legitimises the theft of children and land?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I cannot imagine that that would be the case. I know that the noble Lord has a personal close interest in this, and I understand completely why he is pushing me on it, but I am not going to get into what we would or would not do and what other people may or may not accept as an outcome. I am happy to say again that I think the return of these children is not something on which anybody wishes to compromise.

Ukraine: UK-USA Discussions

Debate between Lord Banner and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Wednesday 19th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I agree with that. The politics of the UN are complex, as the noble Lord well knows, but it is clear to see at the moment that in regard to Ukraine the Security Council will not be the route through to a solution, which is why we have the coalition of the willing and other networks being established to try to get negotiations—notwithstanding what is happening at the UN—to make some progress and to bring about a conclusion to this deadly war.

[Lord Banner (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the precedent that would be set by allowing Russia to keep any of its ill-gotten territorial gains would pose a far greater long-term threat to international peace and security than doing everything we can financially and militarily to support Ukraine to repel it?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

That is absolutely right. Russia must not be rewarded for its actions here. That would send a bad signal to others around the world and would leave other states in the region incredibly vulnerable.

Ukraine: Frozen Russian Assets

Debate between Lord Banner and Baroness Chapman of Darlington

Wednesday 26th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The principle we apply here is that Russia must pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine, but we want to make sure that we do that in a way that is legal, and in co-ordination with our partners and allies. The conversations that need to be had to bring that about will be taking place.

[Lord Banner (Con)]

My Lords, the Government have been saying for many months since they came into power that they have been considering the use of frozen Russian state funds for reparations for Ukraine. Do the Government accept that the time for a decision has come, before it is too late?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

We all want to see Russia pay to rebuild Ukraine; it is right that that happens. The way that is done needs to be legally sound, and it needs to be done in co-ordination with our allies. That is the approach we are taking. I appreciate the encouragement to speed, and I acknowledge that we have been in this position for some months now. I accept what the noble Lord says, and I take his question as a spur to action for the Government. I can assure him that we are keenly seized of the argument he makes.