New UK government announces programme, pledging to continue support for Ukraine

King Charles III of the United Kingdom delivered a speech on Wednesday, 17 July, outlining the new Labour government's programme of activities. The speech also mentioned Ukraine.

In the foreign policy part of the royal speech, which typically defines the programme of the new UK government, Charles III stressed that London's "commitment to NATO will remain unshakeable" and that it will ensure a "strong defence".

"My Government will continue to give its full support to Ukraine and its people and it will endeavour to play a leading role in providing Ukraine with a clear path to NATO membership," the King added.

In addition, Charles III said the Labour government would "seek to reset the relationship with European partners and work to improve the United Kingdom’s trade and investment relationship with the European Union".

In addition, the cabinet of Keir Starmer, the newly elected UK Prime Minister, will seek to secure "long term peace and security in the Middle East" based on a two-state solution – that is, the existence of "a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state".

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary of the new UK government, has earlier confirmed that the plans to support Ukraine, including funding, approved by the previous Conservative government remain in place.

Lammy also said that the government was considering Ukraine's request for authorisation to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.