Ukraine: UK Security Guarantee

Lord Purvis of Tweed Excerpts

Thursday 5th June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I have not noticed any reticence on behalf of the Russian leader in that regard. I repeat that we talk frequently and in great detail about how we work together with our friends and allies, including the United States, to bring about peace.

[Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD)]

My Lords, on these Benches we associate ourselves highly with the Minister’s initial response. One of the reasons why Ukraine will require long-term reassurance with security is the way they see their prisoners of war being brutalised, abused and mistreated in Russia. My noble friend Lady Suttie and I met with the leadership of the Ukrainian prisoner of war authority just before the Recess, and we were briefed on the horrendous treatment that is being applied to them, including the denial of human rights and Red Cross access. Will the Minister agree with me that the time is right now to send a very strong signal, by sanctioning those authorities in Russia that are denying the prisoners of war their very basic human rights?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

First of all, I thank the noble Lord for the commitment that he and his party have shown to Ukraine. It is pleasing that he is taking part in the meetings that he has described. One of the things that encourages us all is the united way in which we in this House and across politics in this country and elsewhere are able to stand together on these issues.

On the issue of sanctions, he is always keen to encourage us to go further. He knows that I will not be commenting on the specific request that he has made, but I thank him for always continuing to push the Government to do more and go further and faster on sanctions, and I hope he can see that we respond whenever we can to that encouragement.