As Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Explosive Threats, Matthew has condemned the United States' decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions. A full statement can be found below: 

“The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Explosive Threats unreservedly condemns the decision of the United States to supply cluster munitions to Ukraine.

Cluster munitions are by their very nature indiscriminate weapons and one of the greatest and longest-lasting threats to civilian lives in warfare.

Ukraine is already the most contaminated country in Europe with landmines and unexploded ordnance. We all hope for a Ukrainian victory in this conflict, however, in using cluster munitions themselves, the Ukrainians are well aware of their impact and of the need for clearance once the conflict is over.

While the United States may not be a signatory to the Ottawa convention, we cannot allow countries – even our allies – to export the misery caused by these weapons. President Biden should know better and must be aware of the long-term damage these weapons cause. As such it is now the moral imperative of the United Kingdom tell President Biden that this is simply unacceptable, and the Prime Minister must raise this issue at the NATO summit.

Sadly, conflict will be with us for a very long time – and subsequently so will there be victims. Our job is to do what we can to reduce the likelihood of innocent civilians becoming victims, and to get the maximum level of support for those that do.”