Mr Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to address the recent proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as other significant international events that have transpired since our last session.
Before proceeding, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new member for Holborn and St Pancras. Her journey from being a child refugee to becoming a member of Parliament is truly remarkable. It exemplifies the hopeful narrative that can unfold within our nation. I am confident that my Honourable Friend will make substantial contributions to this House, and I eagerly anticipate our collaboration.
Britain’s Commitment to Global Stability
Mr Speaker, I conveyed a decisive message to the UN: after a decade marked by uncertainty, Britain is firmly re-establishing itself as a dependable ally in a turbulent world, consistently upholding the fundamental values enshrined in the UN Charter.
We stand resolute in rejecting aggression and unwavering in our support for Ukraine, as I assured President Zelenskyy during our recent meeting in New York.
In the weeks following our discussion, we have witnessed an alarming escalation in Russian military strikes targeting civilians, including residential buildings and transport systems carrying innocent children. President Zelenskyy articulated to me the significant shift in Russia’s tactics, which include brazen daylight assaults aimed at undermining both Ukrainian and our own resolve. I assure you, Mr Speaker, such attempts will be futile.
In light of the ongoing conflict, we have committed new funding to assist Ukraine as it faces its fifth winter of relentless bombardment. Additionally, we have introduced a new sanctions package that now encompasses over 90% of Russia’s oil production capabilities.
Energy Ceasefire Discussions
To address the pressing issue of diesel supply, I proposed to President Trump the notion of an energy ceasefire, wherein both sides would halt their assaults. I welcome President Trump’s announcement of a reciprocal energy ceasefire, which Ukraine is prepared to implement once a start date is confirmed. I will continue discussions on this matter with President Zelenskyy in the days to come.
NATO remains a defensive alliance, and we do not seek confrontation; however, our commitment to safeguarding our allies and ourselves is unwavering. I reiterated this point in all my discussions, including with the NATO Secretary General in Oxfordshire, affirming that we will fully meet our NATO obligations.
We are acutely aware of Russia’s hybrid threats and sabotage efforts throughout Europe. Last week in Berlin, Chancellor Merz and I forged a new partnership to combat these challenges. It is imperative that we remain vigilant against attempts to destabilise our democracies.
New Initiatives for Information Defence
During my address to the UN General Assembly, I confirmed our intention to establish a new National Centre for Information Defence, as recommended by the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to enhance collaboration with our international partners. In Berlin, I expressed Britain’s willingness to include Germany in the Global Combat Air Programme alongside Italy and Japan.
In my discussions with President Trump, we also addressed the situation in the Middle East. I reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to send air defence systems and a Voyager aircraft to Saudi Arabia to support air-to-air refuelling operations. I can confirm that these assets have already successfully completed 14 operational missions.
It is essential that we provide this support to safeguard civilians. I strongly condemn the abhorrent attacks on King Khalid International Airport and reiterate our solidarity with Saudi Arabia in its fight against the Houthis.
Security Cooperation and Countering Threats
Since the UNGA, we have maintained close communication with the United States regarding protective security measures at our joint bases. I wish to express my gratitude to our police and military personnel for their prompt response to incidents at RAF Fairford and RAF Molesworth. My right honourable friend, the Home Secretary, will provide further details on the situation at RAF Fairford, but I can confirm our assessment that it is highly likely to have been coordinated by Iran, with direction from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
We will not tolerate threats on our soil and will intensify our efforts against Iran’s utilisation of criminal networks, employing our full range of resources to target these entities and their funding sources. Further sanctions will be implemented to restrict the capabilities of Iran and its IRGC.
Commitment to the Falkland Islands
In my discussions with the President, I also raised the matter of the Falkland Islands, emphasising the clear and unwavering desire of the islanders to remain British. This point was underscored in my speech to the General Assembly, and I reaffirm our commitment to uphold their wishes.
During my time in New York, I also had a productive meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, regarding the upcoming UK-EU summit. I can confirm that this summit will take place in Brussels on 20th November.
Opportunities for Growth and Immigration Control
This summit represents a pivotal opportunity to advance two critical issues: bolstering UK economic growth and managing illegal immigration. On the agenda are discussions surrounding a trade agreement for food and drink products, progress on emissions trading, the potential linking of our energy systems, a new youth experience initiative, and enhanced cooperation on immigration matters.
The summit will also serve as a platform to voice our concerns regarding the ‘Made in Europe’ initiative, and I believe there is significant potential for progress across these areas.
Collectively, these agreements could contribute over £10 billion annually to the UK economy by 2040, with the possibility of even greater gains. We must seize this opportunity, Mr Speaker, and I urge all members of this House to support the government’s efforts in achieving a positive outcome.
Addressing Trade Barriers and Costs
It is essential that we address the burdensome trade barriers currently faced by our farmers and food producers. At present, entire shipments of plants or fresh produce risk destruction due to a single missing stamp or minor administrative delay. Fresh meat and fish often spoil while awaiting transport, leading to substantial losses in exports.
For instance, our leading food export, Scottish salmon, faces a 100% document check rate at the border, resulting in approximately £100 million in lost exports. Furthermore, British burgers and other fresh meat products are unable to be sold in the EU, while seed potatoes from Scotland and shellfish from Wales are banned. The potential agreement on the table could significantly mitigate this damage.
For farmers and food producers, this could alleviate a burden of up to £1,400 per shipment. For our small businesses, it means the elimination of export health certificates, which can cost up to £200 each time. For households, this initiative could ease the financial strain on supermarket prices, while also having the potential to reduce energy costs for both households and businesses. In Northern Ireland, the proposed energy deal could lower wholesale energy costs by 20%.
Enhancing Law Enforcement Cooperation
In terms of immigration, we could re-establish our law enforcement collaboration, enabling the sharing of data and criminal records of foreign nationals, as well as expediting electronic evidence from the devices of those involved in organised crime.
Mr Speaker, securing a deal along these lines is in Britain’s best interest, and I am committed to working diligently over the next five weeks to realise this goal. I believe our chances of success will be bolstered by our openness to engage in a broader discussion about our long-term relationship with the EU.
If we are truly serious about fostering growth, controlling immigration, and upholding our values and security, it is a conversation we must undertake. Maintaining the status quo is insufficient for Britain; it would be a dereliction of duty to turn away from these discussions.
Long-term Vision for Britain
We need to adopt a calm, rational perspective on the current global landscape to determine what is best for our nation. Our immediate priority must be to secure a successful outcome at the summit, after which I propose establishing a serious dialogue about the various options for our long-term relationship with the EU.
At every juncture, the British public will remain the ultimate decision-makers. I believe there is a prevailing public sentiment in favour of a pragmatic approach, such as the one I am advocating. However, if we engage in this next phase, we will do so with careful consideration and complete transparency.
Mr Speaker, this is the leadership required to conclude a decade of uncertainty and division, propelling our nation forward.
Britain’s Role on the Global Stage
Beyond Europe, a confident Britain is poised to assume its responsibilities on the global stage, particularly as we prepare to take on the presidency of the G20 in 2027. I confirmed in New York that we will prioritise artificial intelligence during our presidency, aiming to harness its tremendous potential while mitigating associated risks.
Prominent figures, such as the President of Microsoft, have acknowledged Britain’s leadership in AI safety, positioning us well to spearhead efforts aimed at establishing a unified set of global principles and standards on AI throughout our G20 presidency year.
Mr Speaker, the message to the world is unequivocal: Britain is back. On numerous fronts, we are actively contributing