Before we come to Deputy Prime Minister's questions, I would like to point out that the British

sound language interpretation of proceedings is available to watch on Parliament Live TV.

We start with questions to the Prime Minister.

Dean Russell.

Question 1, Mr Speaker.

Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Speaker, I've been asked to reply on behalf of my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister.

As the House will know, he is travelling in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia to discuss

energy security, diplomatic action on Russia and Ukraine, and regional issues, including Iran.

Mr. Speaker, with your forbearance, may I also say that I understand that four members

of the Ukrainian Parliament are here with us in the gallery today.

And I'm sure I speak for the whole House in saying that we stand in total solidarity with

you.

Mr. Speaker, Camelot is one of the largest employers in Watford and for Watford, and its

employees have worked tirelessly to successfully run the national lottery for decades.

They play an important role in communities across the UK, many local projects and good

causes, including in my constituency.

So whilst I obviously declare an interest in the Gambling Commission's decision yesterday,

not to appoint the licence to Camelot, I do wonder, given the current situation in Ukraine,

if my right honourable friend considered it appropriate that the next licensee of

the operator of the national lottery is known to have a joint venture with Gazprom.

I thank my honourable friend and just say what an incredible job the national lottery

...