Ukraine: Forcible Removal of Children

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon Excerpts

Monday 24th November 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

Speaking personally and for the Government, I think that the removal of 20,000 Ukrainian children is one of the most horrific elements of this whole awful war. We are doing everything we can to work with our partners and allies, even as far as working with celebrities or anybody who can bring attention to this and put pressure to see these children returned home to where they ought to be. Several hundred have returned, and we are helping to support them with the psychosocial support that they very much need. We know that these children are held in around 400 different locations. This is complex and difficult, but it is incredibly important, and our focus will remain—as the noble Baroness would want it to be—on seeing these children returned home.

[Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Con)]

My Lords, I welcome the role that the Government are playing, particularly the creation of the coalition formed with Canada. I know that Minister cannot comment on leaked reports, but nevertheless we welcome that this is a specific provision within the proposed plan. Can the Minister assure us that the coalition will be fully leveraged and also harness the efforts that Qatar has been making in this important aspect as well?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

The noble Lord often reminds us of this, and I share his admiration for the work of the Qataris, not just in this process but in many others too. They are exceptionally successful, and I admire their work. Yes, we will. The noble Lord knows, probably better than many others in this House, that we are very reluctant to make any kind of comment while these negotiations are so live and are moving. The work that we undertake alongside other members of the coalition of the willing—he mentioned the Canadians in particular—will be sustained for as long as it is needed.