UK-US Discussions: Reducing International Tension

Lord Campbell-Savours Excerpts

Wednesday 21st October 2026 Lords Chamber

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.