May I, too, welcome the Speaker of the House of Representatives—it was a delight to sit next to her at the G7 Speakers conference—and also Congressman Adam Smith, the Chair of the House Armed Services Committee? The United States is truly our closest friend and ally, and in times like these we need each other more than ever.

The United Kingdom is unwavering in our support for Ukraine, along with allies and partners. We are committed to defending regional security. We have long supported Ukraine’s defence capability, as well as regularly exercising with its armed forces and via defence engagement channels. We must not allow Russia’s destabilising behaviour to influence the territorial integrity of any other sovereign state. The UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine.

Diplomacy is, we feel, the only way out of this crisis. We are working through NATO and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, but Russia must uphold the international commitments it freely entered into and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. Dialogue plays a full part in the United Kingdom and allied approach to mitigate mutual risk and enable both sides to discuss the full range of security issues, including where we differ.

The Defence Sixth Form College at Welbeck is run as a Private Finance Initiative on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the Department engages regularly with the Contractor and Welbeck staff over the administration of the College and education of its students. This close cooperation will continue as the College enters its last year of operation to ensure the continued provision of an excellent educational experience and facilitate appropriate support to members of staff. Work is ongoing with the Armed Services to implement the future Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (DSUS) which is replacing the Defence Technical Officer and Engineering Entry Scheme.

The future of the Welbeck site is part of an ongoing study to consider whether it may be required for an alternative Defence purpose. Should that not be the case it will be placed on the open market at which time discussions would take place with relevant stakeholders including the Local Authority and Partners Across Government, to seek the best possible future use of the site. It is too early to say what the outcome might be, but early market testing identified credible prospective interest from the private education sector.

Welbeck College has been pleased to be able to make some of its sporting facilities available for other users since it started operation in 2005. The future of the site is part of an ongoing study to consider whether it may be required for an alternative Defence purpose. Should that not be the case it will be placed on the open market at which time discussions would take place with relevant stakeholders, including the Local Authority and Partners Across Government, to seek the best possible future use of the site. It is too early to say what the outcome of the current study will be or how future use will impact on continued access to sports facilities, but early market testing identified credible prospective interest from the private education sector.

I will write to the hon. Member once a decision on next steps is made.