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The Ministry of Defense has revealed the name of a British soldier killed while on duty in Ukraine.
Lance Corporal George Hooley, 28, of the Parachute Regiment, died in a “tragic accident” on Tuesday morning as he watched Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability.
Paying tribute to the Prime Minister’s questions on Wednesday. sir keir starmer Said: “Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident far from the front line while watching Ukrainian forces test a new defensive capability.
“His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with respect and distinction around the world in the fight for freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”
The UK has previously acknowledged having a “small number” of military personnel in the country, primarily providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.
A Ministry of Defence The statement said: “With sadness we have to confirm that the member of the UK Armed Forces who died in Ukraine on Tuesday 9 December is Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment. He was 28 years old.
“Our thoughts are with Lance Corporal Hooley’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army, based primarily at Merville Barracks in Colchester.
It has not been disclosed which battalion of the Parachute Regiment L/Cpl Hooley served in.
The 1st battalion is under the command of special forces while the other battalions are part of the British Army’s rapid reaction structure.
Defense Secretary John Healey Paying tribute, he said, “He served our country with distinction”.
Mr Healey visited Washington DC on Wednesday to discuss the Acus nuclear submarine program and his Australian and US counterparts also paid tribute to the British paratrooper.
The United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, him and his family, and it is a reflection of the sacrifice and commitment made by so many people around the world.”
Australia’s Defense Minister Richard Marles said: “Let me start right here and express my condolences to the family of George Hooley. We are all thinking of you very much at this time.”