Prime Minister’s Address to the House of Commons Regarding the G7 Summit: May 22, 2023

Mr Speaker, today marks six years since the tragic Manchester Arena bombing, and the entire House stands united in remembering the victims and their families.

We also remember Lee Rigby’s family on the tenth anniversary of his murder, and I commend his son Jack, who is honoring his father’s memory by fundraising for bereaved military children.

As Jack’s mother states, Lee would undoubtedly feel immense pride.

Mr Speaker, I have just returned from the G7 Summit in Japan, where I had the honor of being the first UK Prime Minister to visit Hiroshima.

Representing this House and the British people, I expressed our deep sorrow over the destruction and human suffering there and our unwavering commitment to ensure nuclear weapons are never used again.

In my report to the House on the G7 Summit, I want to directly address a misconception that frequently arises.

It is the belief that Britain is somehow retreating from the global stage or that our influence is waning. I firmly reject that notion.

Recent months have demonstrated this Conservative government’s commitment to the priorities of the British people and our ability to address some of the world’s most significant challenges.

This is especially evident in Ukraine.

It was a privilege to welcome my friend, President Zelenskyy, back to the UK last week.

His presence at the G7 summit marked a significant moment in history.

When Putin initiated this war, he miscalculated our determination to stand firm. He was mistaken then, and he is mistaken now.

Russia’s military is faltering on the battlefield, and their economy is struggling at home, all while we tighten sanctions. The image of G7 leaders united with President Zelenskyy in Hiroshima sent a crucial message to the world: we will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

We have witnessed remarkable collective efforts among our allies, especially from the United States.

Yet, I am incredibly proud of our leading role in the international support for Ukraine.

We were the first nation to train Ukrainian troops, the first in Europe to supply lethal weapons, and the first to commit tanks.

Just this month, we became the first to provide long-range missiles.

We are now leading a coalition to train and equip the Ukrainian air force.

Last year, we provided £2.3 billion in military aid, second only to the United States, and we will match or surpass that figure this year.

Putin should be well aware that we will not waver.

We are confident that Ukraine will not only prevail but will also achieve a just and lasting peace grounded in international law, the UN Charter, and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Mr Speaker, we are similarly resolute in facing the greatest challenge to our long-term security and prosperity: China.

As demonstrated during the G7, the UK’s response is fully aligned with our allies.

We are collaborating with others to strengthen our defense ties in the Indo-Pacific, diversify our supply chains in critical areas like minerals and semiconductors, and prevent China from using economic coercion to undermine the sovereignty of others.

Our actions are concrete, not merely rhetorical.

However, our economic security extends beyond managing the risks posed by China, Mr Speaker.

We are seizing opportunities from our post-Brexit freedoms through a highly ambitious trade agenda.

We have finalized negotiations on the CPTPP, a trade agreement with the fastest-growing region in the world.

We have established critical minerals partnerships with Canada and Australia.

A semiconductor partnership with Japan has also been signed.

The Windsor Framework ensures the smooth flow of trade within our internal market.

Additionally, on Friday, we announced nearly £18 billion in new investments from Japanese businesses, reflecting significant confidence in the UK.

This will create numerous well-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Moreover, Mr Speaker, we are taking global action to combat illegal migration.

It is the British government that will decide who enters Britain. We must stop the boats and dismantle the criminal gangs’ business model.

To that end, we are enhancing international cooperation to combat illegal migration through new agreements with Albania, France, and, as discussed at last week’s Council of Europe meeting, in collaboration with the EU border force.

At this weekend’s Summit, we secured cooperation agreements within the G7 as well.

Thus, Mr Speaker, our foreign policy is effectively serving the British people.

By strengthening our relationships with both long-standing allies and new partners—spanning from the Indo-Pacific to Washington and Europe—we are achieving a diplomatic benefit for the UK.

There’s more to it.

We have pledged billions more for defense, establishing ourselves as the largest European contributor to NATO.

We signed a historic agreement to design and produce the AUKUS submarine, ensuring interoperable fleets for the UK, Australia, and the US in both the Atlantic and Pacific.

We are launching a new initiative to develop future fighter jets alongside Italy and Japan, and we have confirmed that the Carrier Strike Group will return to the Indo-Pacific in 2025. Additionally, the British military successfully executed the largest evacuation by any nation in Sudan.

Anyone who doubts the UK’s ability to wield hard power in defending our values need only observe the Ukrainian soldiers operating British tanks and firing our long-range missiles.

All of this, Mr Speaker, illustrates how we will thrive domestically while upholding our values internationally.

This is how our foreign policy translates into tangible benefits for the British people.

And this is why, on the world stage, Britain is advancing confidently, proudly, and freely.

I commend this statement to the House.