Defence Secretary John Healey has reaffirmed the Government’s stance that Ukraine’s security is essential to Britain’s own, following questions in the House of Commons about the future of UK military support amid the potential opposition of the Trump Administration.
During a session on Wednesday, Conservative MP Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) asked a direct question: “In this age, when the plot of The Manchurian Candidate appears more like a documentary on US politics than a work of fiction, have the Government received any indication that their efforts militarily to support Ukraine would be actively opposed or blocked by the Trump Administration?”
Healey responded by emphasising the vital role of U.S. support in any future security arrangements for Ukraine. He stated: “The Prime Minister has made it clear that, in the context of a negotiated peace, the security arrangements or guarantees in Ukraine will need US support. I have made the same point strongly in my discussions with Secretary Hegseth.”
He continued, “As Defence Secretary, my job now is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position by continuing levels of UK military aid, encouraging other nations to do more, and developing, alongside the French, plans for multinational support to maintain the long-term security of any peace in Ukraine.”
Labour Co-operative MP Paul Waugh (Rochdale) commended the Government’s efforts, stressing the importance of combating disinformation. He asked: “Does the Secretary of State agree that it is important to call out the Russian lies and propaganda that have been propagated of late, including the lie that somehow Ukraine is not a real country… and to call out the lie that Britain’s security does not also depend on Ukraine’s security?”
Healey agreed, stating: “My hon. My friend is right. The first line of defence for the UK and for Europe is in Ukraine.”
He concluded: “The Ukrainians share our values and are fighting with huge courage, military and civilians alike. It is our job to stand with them during that fight… If and when they go into the negotiations, we will stand with them then, and we will stand with them after a negotiated peace, which we all hope President Trump is capable of securing.”
