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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 March 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Ottawa Convention

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential impactions for his policies of the recent withdrawals of a) Poland, b) Estonia and c) Finland from the Ottawa Treaty.

Answer

His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal.

As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
116419
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Estonia Finland Poland Ottawa Convention
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk