On Monday 1 September, the Defence Secretary updated Parliament on the situation in Ukraine. As he said, Ukrainians continue to fight for their freedom with huge courage, more than three years on from the start of Russia’s brutal, full-scale invasion.

The Defence Secretary outlined some of the support our UK Labour Government is providing in his statement. This includes “£4.5 billion in military aid for Ukraine this year—the highest ever level”. The UK has also provided Ukraine with nearly 5 million rounds of munitions, around 60,000 artillery shells, rockets and missiles, 2,500 uncrewed platforms, 30 vehicles and engineering equipment, and 200 electronic warfare and air defence systems.

When it comes to ending this conflict, President Zelensky has endorsed a full, unconditional ceasefire and talks on a lasting peace. Yet Putin has responded by ordering missile attacks against Ukrainian civilians. I believe this shows Russia has no interest in peace and therefore strongly support the work of our government, alongside our allies, to help Ukraine defend itself.

More widely, a £10 billion contract has been signed to supply our NATO ally Norway with at least f ive Type 26 frigates. This is the biggest warship deal in British history, one that will support 4,000 British jobs and 400 British businesses for several years to come.