THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE’S APPROACH TO THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The author analyses changes in the position of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee by comparing debates on Ukraine during two distinct periods: 2014–2017 and 2022– 2023. The article considers the most pressing issues raised during the parliamentary debates. Particular attention is paid to the methods used by the committee and the ways in which the committee members informed the British government about their position. The analysis is based on the materials of the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee: reports, oral and written evidence, sessional returns and the news about committee work found on the UK Parliament’s website. The author concludes that the committee’s views on Ukraine have changed significantly. It is highlighted that in the mid 2010s the committee condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine but sought to maintain cooperation with Moscow on the most vital issues, whereas during the second period of 2022–2023 the committee’s position became more consolidated as it took a harsher stance on Ukraine.