MPs would vote on using troops in Ukraine, Keir Starmer says

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged that MPs would get a vote on the deployment of British soldiers to police any peace agreement in Ukraine.

The prime minister said the move would be consistent with “recent practice” on the use of UK armed forces.

It comes after the UK and France reiterated their commitment to deploy troops to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again if a deal to end the conflict is struck.

The government has not specified how many British troops could be committed, with Sir Keir adding it would be “in accordance with our military plans”.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir told MPs that in the event of a peace agreement, British personnel would conduct “deterrence operations” and protect new “military hubs” allies are planning to construct in Ukraine.

After PMQs, Downing Street would not comment on whether the Commons vote, would tie the government’s hands should MPs reject the government’s proposals.

On Tuesday, the UK and France signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine, with the two countries establishing “military hubs” in the country.

Allies also largely agreed security guarantees for Ukraine and proposed that the US would take the lead in monitoring a truce.