G7’s new security arrangement with Ukraine could ‘return peace to Europe’, PM declares
The G7 is set to sign a long-term security arrangement with Ukraine, which Rishi Sunak has said will potentially “return peace to Europe”.
The accord marks the first time so many countries have agreed a comprehensive, multi-year security arrangement of such a nature with another country, No 10 said.
The G7 declaration, which is expected to be ratified in the margins of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, is set to provide more defence equipment, increase and accelerate intelligence sharing and bolster support for cyber defences.
It plans to expand training programmes and military exercises, while also developing Ukraine’s industrial capabilities, Downing Street said.
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World leaders take photo after NATO dinner
Mr Sunak addressed the Munich security conference in February to lay out his argument why the international community had a duty to ensure Ukraine was never again left vulnerable to Russian brutality – and pushed for the country to be put in the best possible position for any future ceasefire negotiations.
The prime minister said the agreement would “send a strong signal to President Putin”.
“As Ukraine makes strategic progress in their counteroffensive, and the degradation of Russian forces begins to infect Putin’s frontline, we are stepping up our formal arrangements to protect Ukraine for the long term,” Mr Sunak said.
“We can never see a repeat of what has happened in Ukraine and this declaration reaffirms our commitment to ensure it is never left vulnerable to the kind of brutality Russia has inflicted on it again.
“Supporting their progress on the pathway to NATO membership, coupled with formal, multilateral, and bilateral agreements and the overwhelming support of NATO members will send a strong signal to President Putin and return peace to Europe.”
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Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden were among the attendees in Vilnius
Pact could emulate defence agreement between US and Israel
No 10 did not set out precise details of what will be contained in the pact, but reports suggested the agreement with Kyiv could emulate the defence agreement between the US and Israel.
Washington and Tel Aviv have a military and technology deal to give Israel protection in the Middle East without offering a NATO-esque clause to come to its aid during a time of attack.
The G7 is made up of the UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan, with the EU also represented at the talks.
UK to deliver more combat vehicles to Ukraine
The UK also announced plans to deliver more than 70 combat and logistics vehicles to Ukraine to boost its counteroffensive operation.
No 10 said the vehicles will ensure frontline forces have the means to carry ammo and equipment, evacuate injured soldiers and recover damaged vehicles.
Thousands of additional rounds of Challenger 2 ammunition will also immediately be delivered to Ukraine as part of the package, while a £50m equipment support contract will sustain what the UK has already provided to Ukraine, including spare parts, technical support and maintenance training.
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It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the “absurd” absence of a timetable for his country to join NATO.
Mr Zelenskyy, who is due to attend the second day of the Vilnius summit on Wednesday, announced he had plans to hold talks with Mr Sunak and other G7 allies.
Assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after the bill was backed by MPs in a historic vote.
Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill received 330 yes votes compared to 275 noes at its second reading in the House of Commons – a majority of 55.
Politics Live: MPs voting on historic assisted dying legislation
The bill would allow adults who are terminally ill with just six months left to live to request medical assistance to end their lives.
Today’s result means the legislation will now progress to the committee stage for scrutiny, with the Lords also to be given opportunities to express their views on the measure before it potentially becomes law.
MPs were given a free vote – meaning they could side with their conscience and not along party lines, with the government staying neutral on the matter.
The division list showed Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the proposal, as did Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
But other cabinet members like Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood voted against the bill, having previously warned about vulnerable people being coerced and of a “slippery slope of death on demand”.
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MPs debate assisted dying
The vote came after a five-hour debate in the chamber, which drew emotional arguments on both sides.
Conservative former minister Andrew Mitchell revealed he changed his mind on assisted dying after finding himself with “tears pouring down my face” on hearing the stories of constituents whose loved ones had died “in great pain and great indignity”.
On the other side of the argument, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said assisted dying could result in sick people “feeling like a burden” on society, adding: ” I can imagine myself saying that in particular circumstances.”
She warned: “If this bill passes, we will have the NHS as a fully-funded 100% suicide service but palliative care will only be funded at 30% at best.”
Bill about ‘choice and dignity’
Opening the debate on the topic, Labour backbencher Ms Leadbeater said the bill was about giving dying people “choice, autonomy, and dignity” – saying the current law was “failing” them.
Kim Leadbeater: PA
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She has insisted her bill contains “the most robust safeguards” of any assisted dying legislation in the word.
This includes two independent doctors having to approve the decision, followed by a high-court judge, with the person having to administer the drugs themselves.
The legislation also includes a maximum 14-year prison sentence for anyone who coerces someone into requesting assisted dying or taking the medicine.
Speaking to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby after the vote, an emotional Ms Leadbeater said she was “incredibly proud” of the result and parliament must now “take on board everything that’s been discussed in the chamber”, including the state of palliative care and the rights of disabled people.
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