Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance they are giving to Ukraine to help protect that country’s arts and cultural heritage; and how they are delivering that assistance.

My Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for DCMS has written to the Ukrainian Minister of Culture, offering whatever practical support is feasible. We are working with UNESCO, Blue Shield International, the British Council and other allies to ensure Russia meets its obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This requires Russia to avoid damaging significant heritage sites, monuments or other cultural property in Ukraine.

I commend all those in the UK cultural sector who have demonstrated their solidarity with the artists and people of Ukraine, from arranging performances in support of Ukraine to lighting their buildings in Ukrainian colours.