Andy Burnham makes his first overseas trip as Prime Minister today, arriving in Ukraine this morning (August 24). The Makerfield MP and former Greater Manchester mayor is travelling to Kyiv to reiterate the UK's support for the Ukrainian people after four-and-a-half years of war following Russia's invasion.
The visit coincides with Ukraine's Independence Day. Mr Burnham will tell the Ukrainian people that the UK is four-square behind Ukraine's independence, and that Russia's threats only strengthen the UK's resolve. It comes weeks after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the UK as the new PM's first international guest.
PM's message on Independence Day
Mr Burnham said: "On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes. I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine's security is our security."
"The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia's illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries. Russia should be in no doubt of our resolve. We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace."
Defence announcement expected
During the visit, the PM is expected to announce his government has agreed that defence firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components for the long-range missile, SCALP, as Ukraine and France look to establish local assembly lines in Ukraine. The missile is the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow, with both using shared French and British technology.
The move follows the UK being the first to gift long-range strike weapons for defensive purposes to Ukraine in 2023 and will allow the French and Ukrainians to move forward with the Ukrainian assembly of the missile. It also complements the major UK effort to rapidly develop low-cost advanced long-range strike weapons for Ukraine through Project Brakestop.
Independence Day events and award
While in Kyiv, the Prime Minister will take part in Independence Day events and co-chair his first meeting of the Coalition of the Willing to discuss how the UK can continue to support Ukraine. He will tell international partners that the UK's leadership on Ukraine will remain steadfast under his Government.
Mr Burnham is also expected to be presented with an award on behalf of the British people, in recognition of the UK's support. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, the UK has provided a range of military, economic, and diplomatic support to Ukraine, underpinned by the UK and Ukraine's 100 Year Partnership. This includes leading efforts to secure Ukraine's long-term security alongside France as co-chairs of the Coalition of the Willing, and committing £25 billion in funding, including £16 billion in military assistance and £5.6 billion in non-military support.
