🇺🇦 Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill

• The Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill was discussed in the Committee, with Caroline Nokes as the chair. The Bill aims to provide loans or other financial assistance to Ukraine.

• The Bill consists of two clauses. Clause 1 authorizes the UK government to provide financial assistance to Ukraine as part of the G7 extraordinary revenue acceleration (ERA) scheme. Clause 2 outlines the short title of the Bill.

• New Clause 1, proposed by some members, sought to mandate regular reports to Parliament about the UK’s financial assistance to Ukraine, including details about funds disbursed and discussions with G7 partners. This clause was not supported by the government, as it argued existing reporting mechanisms would suffice.

• The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, highlighted the universal support in the House for the Bill, and emphasized its role in providing crucial funding to Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

• Discussions also touched on the possibility of seizing frozen Russian assets to further assist Ukraine, though the government stated there were no current plans to do so. However, the issue of using immobilized Russian assets remains under review.

• Several MPs expressed the need for continued support for Ukraine, noting the dire situation and the importance of international solidarity against Russian aggression.

• The Homes for Ukraine scheme was also mentioned, with some members calling for clarity on the status of Ukrainian refugees in the UK.

• The Bill passed through Committee and received its Third Reading with strong cross-party support, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

• MPs stressed the importance of the UK’s financial, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, underscoring that Ukraine’s battle is for the security and democratic values of the entire region.

• The urgency of passing the Bill was highlighted, given the escalating conflict in Ukraine, with the aim to provide financial support as soon as possible to help meet Ukraine’s immediate needs.

• The session concluded with well-wishes for the Ukrainian people during the holiday season and a reaffirmation of the UK’s resolve to stand with Ukraine against aggression.

The parliamentary session on the Financial Assistance to Ukraine Bill demonstrates a very low level of disagreement among the members. Throughout the session, there is a consistent and unanimous support for the provision of financial assistance to Ukraine from all members who spoke, regardless of their political affiliation. This is evident in the supportive remarks from various members across the House, such as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, expressing appreciation for the ‘universal support’ the House has shown for the Bill. Additionally, there are no recorded votes against the clauses or amendments, indicating a lack of substantial opposition. Members like Sir Julian Lewis, Stephen Gethins, and others, while pressing for further action on using frozen Russian assets, did so in a manner that supported the current Bill and its purpose, suggesting a consensus on the immediate need for the financial support to Ukraine. Therefore, the session merits a low disagreement rating of 1 due to the clear unity and minimal contention on the subject matter.