Russian Drones: Violation of Polish Airspace Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Russian Drones: Violation of Polish Airspace

Sean Woodcock Excerpts
Wednesday 10th September 2025

(1 day, 16 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Al Carns Portrait Al Carns
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I thank the hon. and gallant Member for his contribution and support for defence affairs. Some can be quite disparaging about it, but it is worth reminding ourselves that NATO is the most effective military alliance ever seen in history. Its numbers and capacity far outweigh some of our adversaries. One area it has fantastic command capability in is information operations, and as Members of Parliament we can all play our part in that by taking away the messages we have heard today and making sure that our nation and constituents understand the second and third-order effects of potential escalation.

Sean Woodcock Portrait Sean Woodcock (Banbury) (Lab)
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For many years Banbury has been home to thousands of Polish citizens, who will understandably be very concerned at events over the past 24 hours. Can the Minister reassure them not only that our relationship with Poland is steadfast but that this Government are taking steps to strengthen it in spite of Putin?

Al Carns Portrait Al Carns
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Putin’s actions pull NATO together and forge alliances and partnerships, and they focus us in on the barbaric nature of Russia’s aggression. I have worked with the Polish in the past, and we have a great relationship with them. They are increasing defence spending, and there are industrial opportunities there. We also have great cultural ties with Poland. The Polish served in the Air Force in the second world war and all the way through to the latter years. We are fully behind Poland, our allies and partners.