Parliamentary Roundtable: British - Ukrainian Defence Cooperation and Common Threats
On the 11th November, The Coalition for Global Prosperity had the privilege of co-hosting a significant roundtable discussion in the British Parliament on "UK-Ukraine Defence Cooperation and Common Threats." The event, organised in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Ukraine and the Conservative Friends of Ukraine, provided an invaluable opportunity to discuss partnership between the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
Chaired by The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale MP, the roundtable brought together an esteemed group of participants. Ambassador of Ukraine and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, H.E. Valerii Zaluzhnyi spoke about the evolving partnership between the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
The ambassador was joined on the panel by Al Carns MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans Affairs; and The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who restated the cross-party support for Ukraine, for as long as Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by parliamentarian Lesia Vasylenko and Dmytro Nataliukha, co-chairs of the Ukrainian British Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Verkhovna Rada, also spoke of their experience of the war and the areas in which British support for Ukraine could be focused.
The discussion was dynamic, with active participation from British and Ukrainian representatives, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing mutual security concerns and supporting Ukraine in its ongoing fight for sovereignty. Ambassador Zaluzhnyi delivered a powerful address, highlighting key areas of cooperation and the pressing threats Ukraine continues to face. He emphasised the critical need for continued British support for Ukraine’s defence capabilities, alongside investments in Ukrainian defence production. He also spoke of the long-term task of rebuilding the country after victory, underscoring the vital role of international partnerships in that effort.
Throughout the event, British parliamentarians reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to Ukraine, while members of the Ukrainian parliament offered poignant insights into the realities of the war and highlighted areas where British support could have the greatest impact.
This roundtable was not only a forum for exchanging insights and strategies but also a powerful symbol of solidarity. It underscored the essential role of international alliances in confronting today’s global challenges, from the defence of sovereignty to the promotion of stability and peace.
The Coalition for Global Prosperity is proud to have supported this critical cross-party dialogue. As Ukraine continues to confront unprecedented challenges, fostering collaborative approaches like this remains vital.
Our thanks to all who attended, including;
Alex Sobel MP
The Rt Hon Sir John Whittingdale OBE MP
The Rt Hon Dame Priti Patel MP
Al Carns OBE MC MP
Jack Rankin MP
The Rt Hon Iain Duncan-Smith MP
John Slinger MP
Greg Stafford MP
Tan Dhesi MP
Luke Akehurst MP
Ayoub Khan MP
Vikki Slade MP
Mike Martin MP
David Reed MP
The Rt Hon Mark Francois MP
Lord Howell
Lord Tugendhat
Baroness Helic
Baroness Enfield
Lord Hamilton