Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy visit HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have met British and Ukrainian military personnel aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth.

The two leaders visited His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth on Monday, accompanied by Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan and Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin.

The foreign secretaries of the UK and Ukraine also joined the visit, which focused on strengthening the defence of Ukraine and Europe amid continued Russian aggression.

It followed an introductory telephone call between the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy last week, during which Mr Burnham offered his condolences to the families and loved ones of Ukrainians killed in recent Russian attacks.

The Government said the change in political leadership would not alter the UK’s commitment to Ukraine or its approach to putting pressure on Russia.

During the visit, the leaders met personnel from the British and Ukrainian armed forces, including those involved in Operation Seabreeze.

The multinational maritime exercise, co-hosted by the United States Sixth Fleet and Ukraine, focuses on mine countermeasures, diving operations and regional maritime security.

The latest exercise was hosted by the Royal Navy at Portland Port and involved more than 2,000 personnel carrying out mine-hunting and salvage training.

Mr Morgan had previously invited the Prime Minister to visit Portsmouth Naval Base in recognition of the city’s contribution to the defence of the UK.

The visit also followed the announcement of major investment in the future of the naval base.

HMNB Portsmouth is set to receive £3.9 billion through Project Royal Oak, a £26 billion Ministry of Defence programme to rebuild and modernise the UK’s three main naval bases over ten years.

Mr Morgan said the investment would support employment and economic growth in Portsmouth.

Joining the UK Prime Minister and Ukrainian President on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, Mr Morgan said: “The frontline in Ukraine is the frontline for our freedom and democracy.

“As we heard today, the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine - both in the fight now, and in preparation to secure the peace we want to see – remains steadfast and will not waver.

“I am proud of the contribution our nation’s armed forces personnel have played, and continue to play, in supporting our Ukrainian friends”.

Speaking about the Prime Minister’s visit to Portsmouth, Mr Morgan added: “I am delighted the new Prime Minister accepted my invitation to visit the heart and home of the Royal Navy here in Portsmouth so early into his tenure, to meet serving personnel in the Naval Base alongside President Zelenskyy.

“This Government takes very seriously the contribution Portsmouth people play to the defence of our nation, and the work we do with international partners to bring security, sovereignty and stability around the world. That’s why I am pleased to have helped secure £3.9 billion to maintain our Naval Base and provide jobs and growth for our community.

“As the Prime Minister has said, the UK will continue to work closely with our Ukrainian and international partners to help support a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

“Our proud city and our nation’s armed forces stand ready to play their part in making that happen”.

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