Starmer: British troops will build and defend military bases in Ukraine
The UK will send troops to Ukraine, but their numbers have not been determined, and the deployment itself still needs to be approved at parliamentary level.
The country's Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, announced this while speaking to MPs, reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
"We have issued a statement, which makes clear that troops will only be deployed after the ceasefire. They will support Ukraine's combat readiness, conduct deterrence operations, and build and defend military bases . The number of troops will be determined in accordance with our military plans, which we are developing and in which we count on the support of other Alliance members," Starmer said.
He promised to hold a special debate - "so that all members of Parliament know exactly what we are doing, express their views, and then we will have a vote on it ."
His speech was criticized by the opposition – according to Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, Britain has problems funding its own veterans, not to mention the troops in Ukraine:
" There's no money for defence . We need to move from ambition to commitment. It's not just about money. If the Prime Minister sends troops to Ukraine, those troops need to be confident that we'll support them. Last week, seven former Special Air Service commanders warned that Labour's Northern Ireland bill would undermine the work of our special forces.
It's not me saying this, it's them. In November, nine retired four-star generals warned that this bill poses a direct threat to national security. And even the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner said our veterans are treated worse than terrorists. So, Mr. Speaker, isn't it madness to judge veterans? Veterans who served their country, while he sends today's soldiers to Ukraine ."
Starmer : British troops will build and defend military bases in Ukraine