Tag: international affairs

UK sends £752 million to back Ukraine’s defence, Reeves confirms in Washington

  • Chancellor confirms the UK has sent the third £752 million payment as part of its £2.26 billion loan for Ukraine to buy military equipment
  • Ahead of meeting the Ukrainian PM on Wednesday, Reeves says the UK will keep pressure on Russia – including action against sanctioned “shadow fleet” vessels – and keep options open to join the EU’s €90bn loan effort
  • Announcement comes as Chancellor flies to Washington for IMF Spring Meetings, setting out Britain’s plan to keep costs down for people and build a more resilient economy.

The Chancellor has confirmed the UK has sent £752 million to Ukraine, as part of the UK’s £2.26 billion loan to spend on military equipment. 

Rachel Reeves is in Washington for the IMF Spring Meetings, where she is urging international partners to act together on global security and stability, including sustained support for Ukraine. 

She will be setting out Britain’s plan for economic security through the Middle East crisis — prioritising stability, keeping costs down for families and businesses, taking back control of our energy costs, and going further and faster on our plan for a stronger, more resilient economy. 

The loan to Ukraine is backed by the profits of immobilised Russian sovereign assets held in the EU, and will help Ukraine procure equipment to defend itself against Russia’s unprovoked aggression. This does not count as part of the UK spending 2.5% of GDP on defence.

This funding will be spent on critical military equipment to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs, including long‑range strike capabilities, air defence missiles and systems, and Ukrainian‑produced drones to help protect civilians and national infrastructure from Russia’s attacks. 

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary confirms that the UK is set to deliver 120,000 drones as part of a separate £3.75 billion UK military support package for Ukraine. 

In Washington tomorrow, Reeves will meet with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and hold talks with G7 finance ministers, reaffirming the UK’s support for Ukraine and the need to maintain pressure on Russia. 

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: ““The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. This funding will help deliver the military equipment Ukraine needs as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked war. 

“I am proud that the UK is a leading partner in providing vital support to Ukraine, and we will continue to step up to do more while keeping pressure on Russia.” 

The Chancellor also confirmed the UK would look carefully at options to enable participation in the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine. 

She also highlighted how the UK is increasing pressure on Russia following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK is ready to deploy Armed Forces and law enforcement to interdict UK‑sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” vessels transiting UK waters, stepping up pressure on Putin’s war effort. 

Never Fear, Sir Keir’s Here!

Prime Minister travels to Middle East to meet allies and support ceasefire

The Prime Minister is travelling to the Gulf today to meet with Gulf partners and discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire in order to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict and protect the UK and global economy from further threats.

  • The Prime Minister will travel to the Gulf this week to meet leaders of countries who have been in the front line, and will set out his full support for the newly agreed ceasefire 
  • In meetings with regional leaders, he will reiterate unwavering UK support and need for a long-term diplomatic resolution to make sure the ceasefire leads to a lasting agreement 
  • He will hold talks on ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains permanent, with the United Kingdom continuing to lead international efforts

The Prime Minister is travelling to the Gulf today to meet with Gulf partners and discuss diplomatic efforts to support and uphold the ceasefire in order to bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict and protect the UK and global economy from further threats.   

On the visit, the Prime Minister will make clear his government’s commitment to de-escalation, and hold further talks on practical efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following promising progress reported as a result of the ceasefire. As announced by the Prime Minister last week, the United Kingdom is continuing to lead the international effort, convening allies from across the world to ensure the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.  

He will also see in person the defensive support the UK has provided in the collective self-defence of our allies in the region and thank UK personnel for their brave service. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: I welcome the ceasefire agreement reached overnight, which will bring a moment of relief to the region and the world. 

“Together with our partners we must do all we can to support and sustain this ceasefire, turn it into a lasting agreement and re-open the Strait of Hormuz.”

The Prime Minster’s travel follows the UK-convened meeting last week of more than 40 countries to begin work on a viable plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz when the fighting subsides, and subsequent military planning meeting hosted by the UK on Tuesday to further advance this work. 

Work will now continue at pace in light of the ceasefire and the Prime Minister is expected to discuss this further in meetings with leaders in the region.

The Prime Minister’s first stop will be to thank the UK and local personnel who have bravely put their lives at risk in the defence of our people, our interests and those of our allies. 

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that UK personnel have intercepted more than 110 drone attacks in the region, and the RAF have conducted more than 1600 hours of defensive operations.

The Prime Minister will also pay tribute to the work of our partners in the Gulf, whose armed forces have protected the hundreds of thousands of UK nationals living in the region in the face of Iran’s brutal aggression.

IRAN’S BRUTAL AGGRESSION? You couldnae make it up! – Ed.

Complicit: UK gives green light to US bomber flights from British bases

“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request“

STARMER STATEMENT 1st MARCH

Yesterday, I spoke to you about the situation in the Gulf and explained that the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes on Iran. That remains the case.

Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.

They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. 

This is clearly a dangerous situation. 

We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. 

I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.  

I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.

Our Armed Forces who are located across the region are also being put at risk by Iran’s actions.  

Yesterday Iran hit a military base in Bahrain, narrowly missing British personnel.

The death of the Supreme Leader will not stop Iran from launching these strikes. 

Their approach is becoming even more reckless – and more dangerous to civilians.

Our decision that the UK would not be involved with the strikes on Iran was deliberate.

Not least because we believe that the best way forward for the region and for the world is a negotiated settlement.

One in which Iran agrees to give up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.

But Iran is striking British interests nonetheless, and putting British people at huge risk, along with our allies across the region. 

That is the situation we face today. 

Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it is my duty to protect British lives.  

We have British jets in the air as part of coordinated defensive operations which have already successfully intercepted Iranian strikes. 

But the only way to stop the threat is to destroy the missiles at source – in their storage depots or the launchers which used to fire the missiles.

The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. 

We have taken the decision to accept this request – to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.

The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and protecting British lives.

That is in accordance with international law. And we are publishing a summary of our legal advice.

We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region.

And we will also bring experts from Ukraine together with our own experts to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them.

I want to be very clear: we all remember the mistakes of Iraq. 

And we have learned those lessons. 

We were not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.

But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy – so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region. 

Because that is our duty to the British people.

It is the best way to eliminate the urgent threat and prevent the situation spiralling further.

This is the British government protecting British interests and British lives.

UK steps up support for Ukraine four years on from Putin’s invasion

NEW MILITARY AND HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT

  • New package of military, humanitarian and reconstruction support announced as UK steps up support for Ukraine.
  • Prime Minister will lead Coalition of the Willing call today as the Foreign Secretary attends official commemoration in Kyiv and Defence Secretary joins Ukrainians in London.
  • The UK’s security starts in Ukraine, and the continued support will make Britain and Europe stronger and more secure.

The UK is boosting support for Ukraine four years after Putin’s full-scale invasion with new military and humanitarian support. As the brutal war – which Putin thought he would win in a week – enters its fifth year, the UK Government is clear that Ukraine’s defence is Britain’s security.  

Today, the Government is announcing additional support for Ukraine as the Prime Minister today convenes a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with French President Emmanuel Macron, following their landmark declaration in January with President Zelenskyy of the UK’s intent to deploy British troops to Ukraine once peace is secured. As part of this Multinational Force for Ukraine, a 70 person HQ is up and running and preparations for UK forces are backed by £200 million funding from this government.

In Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary is expected to call out despicable ‘Russification’ tactics being deployed against innocent civilians in the Temporarily Occupied Territories in the east of Ukraine where they are forced to adopt Russian passports, Ukrainian language is prohibited, people are isolated from Ukrainian media and are arrested on arbitrary charges for any demonstration of pro-Ukrainian sentiment.

Defence Secretary John Healey will visit the Ukrainian Cathedral in London to meet those who the UK has opened up its doors to following the invasion. With Bishop Nowakowski and the Ukrainian Ambassador, he will light a candle in memory of all those who have lost their lives in the conflict.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “On this grim anniversary, our message to the Ukrainian people is simple: Britain is with you, stronger than ever. That is why we are announcing new support today and we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

“For all the noise in world affairs today, this war remains the most critical issue of our age. It asks the question of whether Ukrainian and European freedom will endure. Our answer, together, is unequivocal. Russia is not winning this war. They will not win this war. Ukraine’s courage continues to hold the line for our shared values, in the face of Putin’s aggression.

“We will stand by their side, until a just and lasting peace – and beyond.

“Slava Ukraini.”

The package of support announced today includes:

  • £20 million of new funding for emergency energy support to protect and repair the energy grid and provide additional generation capacity – fixing the damage caused by Russia’s brutal attacks over this winter and future proofing Ukraine’s energy systems for next Winter. This brings the UK’s total support for Ukrainian energy since the start of the war to over £490 million.
  • £5.7 million to provide humanitarian assistance to frontline communities, those who need evacuation or have been impacted by airstrikes or internal displacement. The UN and its partners are targeting 4.1 million people in Ukraine, prioritizing those experiencing the most severe conditions. The UK was the largest donor to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund in 2025
  • Medical mentoring – Highly skilled teams of British military surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists are mentoring Ukrainian clinicians in Ukraine. They shadow Ukrainian teams treating complex battlefield surgery, drawing on UK expertise in trauma surgery and wartime injury to help Ukrainian service personnel return to military duties or rebuild their lives as civilians.
  • Helicopter training – Ukrainian pilots are now training at a UK air base to become helicopter flying instructors, the first time Britain has offered rotary-wing instructor training to Ukraine. Graduates will train the next generation of Ukrainian military aviators, helping Ukraine to defend and deter.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Today I am shining a light on Russia’s disgraceful attempts to erase the Ukrainian identity, in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

“From pumping the education system full of disinformation, deporting and indoctrinating children, to illegally detaining innocent civilians for acts as simple as displaying Ukrainian colours, Russia has proven its ruthless disregard for international law and human rights.

“Four years on, Russia can and must end this war. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes to achieve a just and lasting peace.”

The Foreign Secretary will also announce £30 million of UK funding to support Ukrainian societal resilience, and drive justice and accountability efforts for victims and survivors of alleged Russian war crimes.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Four years after Putin launched his war to wipe Ukraine as a sovereign nation off the map, the UK is more determined than ever to stand strong with Ukraine. Together with allies, we’re stepping up military aid to Ukraine, and we will step up pressure on Putin.

“This was a war Putin thought he would win in a week but he underestimates the will of the Ukrainian people. With our support, they continue to fight with huge courage and defiance. Today we also mark the suffering of Ukrainians on the frontline, the families mourning loved ones and the millions displaced from home yearning for the opportunity to return with peace.

“I pay tribute to the people of Ukraine. I am proud of our UK unity and leadership on Ukraine. I am determined that we make 2026 the year this brutal war ends.”

The support announced today follows significant assistance announced by the Defence Secretary earlier this month, including a half a billion pounds of air defence support and 1,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs), produced in Belfast, to defend Ukraine from Russia’s ongoing drone assaults.

Letters: Scotland’s energy transition must reckon with U.S. moves in Venezuela – and minerals strategy in Greenland

Dhruva Kumar, Alba Party, Former MP Candidate writes that Scottish politics has finally woken up to the geopolitical crisis, yet remains oddly silent on an older story: how U.S. power behaves when oil and strategic resources are at stake:

Scotland speaks often about a just transition under the Labour Westminster government, yet we overlook the geopolitics that will shape it. Two arenas matter now: Venezuela, where U.S. sanctions flip-flops have jolted heavy‑crude supply, and Greenland, which banned new oil licensing but is pivotal to Western critical‑minerals and Arctic security strategies.

Greenland is the mirror image: in 2021, it ceased new oil and gas licensing, citing environmental and economic costs, yet has drawn stronger U.S./EU interest in rare earths and Arctic security.

From Venezuela to Greenland, Washington’s pattern is clear. In Venezuela, U.S. sanctions have evolved into direct control over who can sell the country’s oil and where the money goes – a shift from “regime change” to long-term management of another nation’s core resource. In Greenland, U.S. interest has moved beyond missile‑warning bases to a renewed diplomatic presence and a growing focus on minerals and rare earths as the Arctic ice retreats.​

Scotland sits at the intersection of those same pressures. The North Sea may be a mature basin, but billions of barrels of oil equivalent remain, and recent surges in revenues have reminded us how central these flows still are to our public finances. At the same time, the North Atlantic is militarily critical, Faslane anchors the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and Scotland’s offshore wind and marine resources are among Europe’s most valuable.​

Overlay that with Donald Trump. He is not just a sometime visitor with a tartan tie, but an owner of loss-making, debt-laden golf resorts at Menie and Turnberry that have relied on UK support schemes and opaque financing. He has waged a decade-long crusade against Scottish offshore wind, rhetoric that has since been exported into a wider global war on renewables from the White House. In Venezuela, he has been explicit about “taking” oil to reshape a country on U.S. terms; in Greenland, he floated outright acquisition in pursuit of strategic minerals.​

It would be naïve to assume Scotland is exempt from that mindset simply because we fly the Saltire. Our energy transition, our remaining oil and gas, and our critical geography all sit within the same mental map that links Caracas, Havana and Nuuk.​​

The question for Scotland is not whether tanks will roll up Union Street, but whether, in the next round of US–UK trade, security and energy deals, our future is quietly bargained away in boardrooms and back channels without a single Scottish voice in the room – as with the recent decisions involving Wick.​

It is time this angle was interrogated openly in our media before decisions are made for us, not by us.

Yours in shared ambition,

Dhruva Kumar

HANDS OFF VENEZUELA!

The US is rogue, openly violating international law and the independence of foreign countries. Starmer meekly goes along with whatever Trump wants.

This is a threat to peace and democracy everywhere.

Join the national demo against US aggression!

11am, Saturday 10th, Edinburgh

Venezuela: Starmer shies away from criticising illegal US action

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued the following statement yesterday:

‘The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.

‘I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.’

Other political leaders have been braver in their condemnation:

First Minister John Swinney has commented on the unfolding situation in Venezuela, urging the international community to ensure that de-escalation, diplomacy and democracy are the foundations of what follows.

YOUR PARTY leader Jeremy Corbyn said: The US has launched an unprovoked and illegal attack on Venezuela. This is a brazen attempt to secure control over Venezuelan natural resources.

“It is an act of war that puts the lives of millions of people at risk — and should be condemned by anyone who believes in sovereignty and international law.”

Your Party has launched a petition

Senator Bernie Sanders’ statement on President Trump’s actions in Venezuela

Former Democrat US Presidential candidate Kamala Harris said: “Donald Trump’s actions in Venezuela do not make America safer, stronger, or more affordable.

“That Maduro is a brutal, illegitimate dictator does not change the fact that this action was both unlawful and unwise.

“We’ve seen this movie before. Wars for regime change or oil that are sold as strength but turn into chaos, and American families pay the price. The American people do not want this, and they are tired of being lied to.

“This is not about drugs or democracy. It is about oil and Donald Trump’s desire to play the regional strongman. If he cared about either, he wouldn’t pardon a convicted drug trafficker or sideline Venezuela’s legitimate opposition while pursuing deals with Maduro’s cronies.

“The President is putting troops at risk, spending billions, destabilizing a region, and offering no legal authority, no exit plan, and no benefit at home.

“America needs leadership whose priorities are lowering costs for working families, enforcing the rule of law, strengthening alliances, and — most importantly — putting the American people first.”

SCOTTISH GREENS: ‘Trump’s illegal invasion and occupation of Venezuela must end. We stand in full solidarity with the people of Venezuela.

“This kind of blatant US imperialism cannot be allowed to stand.’

The UN has issued the following statement:

‘The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region.

‘Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent. The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter. He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected. 

‘The Secretary-General calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.’

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL said: “Today’s military action by the Trump Administration in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores, raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population and most likely constitutes a violation of international law“.

‘Coalition of the Willing’ set to meet as leaders focus on crippling Russia’s ability to wage war

European leaders set to arrive in London today for a meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter

  • Global leaders set to convene this afternoon both in person in London, and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin
  • Prime Minister will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities
  • Meeting comes as the Prime Minister announces acceleration of missile delivery programme to deliver 140 lightweight-multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, supporting UK jobs

PILING PRESSURE ON PUTIN?

European leaders are set to arrive in London today for a critical meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter.

Leaders will convene this afternoon, both in person and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week.

The London hosted meeting comes after Putin proved yet again that he is not serious about ending his illegal war, failing to engage with President Trump’s most recent proposals for meaningful peace talks.

Leaders are expected to use the meeting to focus the world’s attention on how they can further strengthen Ukraine’s hand and cripple Russia’s ability to continue to wage war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin, and his depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.

“Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.

“From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.

“After all, Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the frontline of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.”

In the past fortnight, the international community has stepped up its decisive action to force President Putin back to the negotiating table and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

That has included the US’ decisive action this week to place a chokehold round Putin’s finance flows and sanction two of the largest Russian oil companies, following the UK action taken last week.

The European Union has also adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia, further targeting the Russian oil trade and cracking down on financial loopholes, and Ukraine’s allies have accelerated work to use the full value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine – a move that would be unprecedented and finance Ukraine’s war efforts for years to come.

The government has been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as well as the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, are all expected to attend the meeting in person at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today.

They will be greeted by children from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, which has welcomed hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A further 20 leaders are expected to dial into the call.

During the call, the Prime Minister is expected to call on leaders to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. He will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week.

Leaders will also discuss how more can be done to protect energy infrastructure, as Russia continues to systematically destroy critical national infrastructure, plunging millions of innocent Ukrainians into the cold and dark.

The Prime Minister will announce that a UK missile building programme has been accelerated to deliver more than 100 extra air defence missiles ahead of schedule to bolster Ukraine’s defences through the depths of winter.

The package forms part of the £1.6bn deal between UK industry and Ukraine in March to provide more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to support Ukraine’s defence, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast.

The contract tripled the LMM production capacity and as work has progressed quicker than expected the delivery of an extra 140 LMMs will be accelerated to provide to Ukraine in the winter months.

Starmer welcomes hostages release

The last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are now back in Israel after spending more than two years in captivity.

The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October2023 attacks

Hamas says it will also hand over the remains of four dead hostages later today, but has told mediators it does not know the location of some of the other 24.

Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the release of hostages in Gaza.

Starmer, who has travelled to the middle east, said: “I share the deep feeling of relief as hostages are released today.

“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.”

Prime Minister welcomes Trump’s Middle East peace plan

Starmer statement on the new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza:

‘The new US initiative to deliver an end to the war in Gaza is profoundly welcome and I am grateful for President Trump’s leadership.

‘We strongly support his efforts to end the fighting, release the hostages and ensure the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. This is our top priority and should happen immediately.

‘We call on all sides to come together and to work with the US Administration to finalise this agreement and bring it into reality. Hamas should now agree to the plan and end the misery, by laying down their arms and releasing all remaining hostages. 

‘Together with our partners, we will continue work to build consensus to put into place a permanent ceasefire. We are all committed to a collective effort to end the war in Gaza and deliver a sustainable peace, where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in safety and security.’