Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Wednesday 19th October 2022 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We are compassionate Conservatives. We will always work to protect the most vulnerable, and that is what we did with the energy price guarantee. We are going to make sure that the most vulnerable are protected into year two, and I am sure that the Chancellor has heard my hon. Friend’s representations on the contents of the medium-term fiscal plan.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

Q13.   Like the public at large, I have supported the Government in the actions they have taken to support Ukraine, not least because of what is at stake there, but right now, as the public deal with rising prices, inflation, mortgage costs and much else, Ukraine fatigue is a real and present danger. I am afraid to say to the Prime Minister that she is now an active driver against the public support that has so unified many of us to do what needs to be done. In a time when resolve needs to be steeled, will she commit from the Dispatch Box that the economic, military and political support for Ukraine will not be another casualty under this Prime Minister?

[The Prime Minister]

One of my first acts in office was to make sure that the military support we give to Ukraine equals the military support we gave this year. We must make sure that Ukraine wins. It can win, it will win, and it must win.

Sanctions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Monday 28th February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I welcome the actions by companies who are dissociating themselves from working with the Putin regime, including BP’s divestment.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

We have all witnessed the horrifying war crimes taking place against the people of Ukraine. One would have thought, would one not, that there would have been at least some diplomatic expulsions in co-ordination with others as a result of that? However, the Foreign Secretary dodged the question from my good friend the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Alicia Kearns). Is her Department working on plans should those war crimes get worse and chemical weapons are deployed against the people of Ukraine?

[Elizabeth Truss]

Yes, we are working on that. We are working closely with the International Criminal Court, and the chief prosecutor has already issued a statement about the situation in Ukraine. We are determined that everyone in Russia close to Putin, who is in charge of this appalling invasion, should be aware that they could be prosecuted for war crimes for what they are doing. On diplomatic expulsions, of course we do not rule anything out. We are working closely with our allies.

Russia: Sanctions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Monday 31st January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I thank my hon. Friend for his work as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Ukraine. Ukraine is vital. It is a freedom-loving democracy in Europe. If we do not work hard—we are—to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression, that will simply encourage aggressors around the world. This is not just a regional security issue, important though it is; it is a global security issue.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

Like my hon. Friend the Member for Stirling (Alyn Smith), I support much of what is in the statement. The statement says that the Secretary of State will not name who or what may be targeted with sanctions, but can she clarify that whatever the new legislation looks like, it will enable the Government to take action against Kremlin mouthpieces and outlets in this country, for example RT UK?

[Elizabeth Truss]

As I said, I am not going to talk about the individuals or entities that could be targeted, but it will be anyone who is of strategic or economic interest to the Russian state. The hon. Gentleman can imagine that that is quite a broad list of people and entities.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Thursday 18th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

I completely agree with my hon. Friend; we are now exporting 1 billion pints of beer around the world. I have had the opportunity to visit the Ilkley brewery and taste its fantastic produce, as well as Fuller’s in London. I have not yet visited Burton—I am still waiting for the invitation. Perhaps it is in the post, so that I will be able to promote it, too.

[Stewart McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

When does the Secretary of State expect that her Department will become a living wage employer?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I am committed to making my Department a living wage employer.