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HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsThe Prime Minister was very clear yesterday when he made the Statement in the other place that programmes in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza were to be prioritised. The decision that was…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsI hear what the noble Lord is saying, but, as he has given quite a full summary of public statements over the last few days, he will be aware that it is probably not helpful for…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsThe point about doing this legally applies equally in every situation. I will look into the question the noble Baroness raises about the Shawcross report, but I want to be…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsThat is such an important point. Often, when we talk about reconstruction, we are talking about airfields, roads and railway tracks. The cultural assets of a country that has been…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsThat is an interesting idea; it is the first time I have heard that suggestion. I will take it back and ask that it be explored by officials. It is important, though, that…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsIn a sense, that is already what is happening because the interest on the assets is being used to repay the loan that has been made. We are contributing around £2.6 billion to…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsWe all want to see Russia pay to rebuild Ukraine; it is right that that happens. The way that is done needs to be legally sound, and it needs to be done in co-ordination with our…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsThe principle we apply here is that Russia must pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine, but we want to make sure that we do that in a way that is legal, and in co-ordination…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsI thank the noble Lord for sending me a copy of the letter he has written; it is very helpful, and it is now with officials. I commend him for the tenacity with which he…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraine: Frozen Russian AssetsMy Lords, alongside our G7 allies, we have been clear on the principle that Russia must pay for the damage it is causing to Ukraine. We are considering all lawful routes to ensure…26 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineThat is a very interesting point. Clearly, it is right that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office constantly reviews where it places resources to reflect changing…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineWe talk about Ukraine in every interaction that we have with all our partners, whether they are in the Commonwealth or not. To that extent, the noble Baroness is right. When we…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineThat is completely right, and I thank the noble Lord for reminding us of it. The idea that this conflict does not directly affect the people of the United Kingdom is wrong. It is…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineThat is undoubtedly true, but I believe that he is the right person to be in that particular role at this particular time, because making difficult decisions is his job and what…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineThe world is changing. It changed when Russia invaded Ukraine, and we have tried to respond as best we can to support the people of Ukraine ever since. I am glad that we have a…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineMy noble friend made the point that this Statement might well have been taken in conjunction with the Statement that the Prime Minister made earlier today in the other place. The…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineWe are working very hard on the Chelsea Football Club issue. It is quite difficult legally, but my noble friend is right to remind us about it and we are working on it at pace. I…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineI hear what my noble friend is saying, and things are undoubtedly moving quickly, but I do not think that starting the defence review again would be the right way to move forward…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkraineThe noble Baroness is not wrong. Obviously, it would be great to be able to do all the things that she describes everywhere that we would like to do them, but we have to be honest…25 Feb 2025HANSARDUkrainePart of the defence review will examine exactly that question. What has become clear as this conflict has progressed is that part of the battle is about defence production and…25 Feb 2025