The PM made the commitment after the UK, France, and Ukraine's wartime leader Volodymr Zelensky signed a joint declaration in Paris to allow boots on the ground after a ceasefire
12:32, 07 Jan 2026
Keir Starmer has said MPs will be given a vote before any deployment of troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal with Vladimir Putin's Russia.
The PM made the commitment in the Commons after the UK, France, and Ukraine's wartime leader Volodymr Zelensky signed a joint declaration in Paris to allow boots on the ground after a ceasefire. Mr Starmer said on Tuesday that Britain and France would establish military hubs on Ukrainian soil and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to help Kyiv defend itself.
Speaking during PMQs today, Mr Starmer said if there were to be a deployment of British troops to the region there would be a vote. He added: "If there were to be deployment, there would have to be a legal instrument. Deployment would only be after a ceasefire to support Ukraine's capabilities, to conduct deterrent operations and to construct and protect military hubs." Mr Starmer went on: "There will be a statement to the House at the earliest opportunity."
He later continued: "If there were a decision to deploy, under the agreement that was signed yesterday, then I would put that matter to this House for a debate beforehand and for a vote on that deployment - that is consistent with recent practice and I'll adhere to that."
Tory chief Kemi Badenoch asked Mr Starmer if he would say how many troops would be committed to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. She said: "Yesterday he announced that Britain and France had signed a political agreement to put troops on the ground in the event of a peace deal in Ukraine.
"So given the Prime Minister is not making a statement about that deployment of British troops abroad, one of the most serious decisions a Government and a Parliament can take, irrespective of what he says, can he at least confirm how many troops would be sent to Ukraine and whether they would be in a combat role?"
Mr Starmer replied: "I will be clear with the House that there would only be deployment after a ceasefire, it would be to support Ukraine's capabilities, it would be to conduct a deterrence operations and to construct and protect military hubs. The number will be determined in accordance with our military plans, which we are drawing up and looking to other members to support. So the number I will put before the House before we were to deploy."
He reiterated if there was a "legal instrument" required, he would have a debate and vote in the Commons. Speaking in Paris on Tuesday, Mr Starmer added: "It's important we're starting the year like this - European and American allies, side by side with President Zelensky, standing for peace. And we are closer to that goal than ever. But of course, the hardest yards are still ahead."
He said work to create a peace that can last was more advanced than ever - but cautioned that a deal was only possible if Vladimir Putin ends his warmongering. The PM said: "For all Russia’s words, Putin is not showing that he is ready for peace. Over the last few weeks, we have seen the opposite: Further horrific strikes on Ukraine killing and wounding civilians and cutting off power from millions of people in the dead of winter.
"His forces hit a hospital in Kyiv just yesterday. And he has tried to distract from peace efforts with unfounded claims of attacks on his residence. Now this only hardens our resolve. "