PM pays tribute to Parachute Regiment NCO – first British soldier to die in Ukraine
Sir Keir Starmer has led tributes to the first British soldier to be killed while on duty in Ukraine, 28-year-old Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.
The Prime Minister told the House of Commons: "Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the frontlines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability.
"His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine."
His service will never be forgotten
LCpl Hooley was killed while watching the testing of a "new defensive capability", however details of the incident have not been made public.
Nevertheless, the fatal incident is believed to have been accidental and not the result of hostile fire.
The UK previously acknowledged that a number of Armed Forces personnel are in the country, mainly providing security for the British diplomatic presence and supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.
Sir Keir, who was speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, said of LCpl Hooley: "I place his name on record today to express our gratitude and respect and to affirm that his service will never be forgotten."
An airborne warrior
LCpl Hooley joined the Army in November 2015, attending Infantry Training Centre Catterick, where he completed P Company in June 2016.
Completing the course top of his cohort as P Company Champion, he joined the Parachute Regiment.
The MOD said LCpl Hooley was an exceptional soldier and an impressive junior leader with extensive operational experience.
He progressed swiftly through key promotion courses. He completed the Parachute Regiment's Junior Non-Commissioned Officers course in October 2020, passing with a Distinction grade, and securing promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal.
More recently, he completed the Section Commanders Battle Course, held at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, again securing an impressive Distinction grade.
As a result of his exceptional performance and potential, LCpl Hooley had been due to be promoted to Corporal in January 2026.
His Commanding Officer said: "Lance Corporal Hooley's future within the Parachute Regiment was incredibly bright, and I have no doubt that he would have continued to perform at the very front of his peer group over the coming years.
"All members of the Parachute Regiment mourn his loss; however, our sorrow is nothing compared to that being felt by his family, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time."
A zest for life - and we loved him for it
LCpl Hooley's Company Commander said of him: "If you met George Hooley, you remembered it.
"His energy and enthusiasm were simply extraordinary. He provided spark that lifted others, a drive that inspired, and a zest for life that reminded us all how to live with purpose and joy. And we loved him for it.
"George had a rare gift: a deep kindness and genuine time for everyone. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a colleague, or someone he had just met, he made you feel valued.
"He listened – properly listened – and he cared. His door was always open, and his heart even more so.
"At work, he was the model of professionalism. George didn't just do his job; he excelled at it.
"A born soldier, he set the standard – the other soldiers watched to learn how things should be done, he made us all better, individually and collectively.
"He approached every task with dedication, integrity and pride. His colleagues will tell you that he wasn't just part of the team, he was the character within it. The glue. The laughter. The calm voice of sense. The soldier who made the hard days easy and the good days memorable."
What it means to be a Para
The Parachute Regiment is the airborne infantry regiment of the British Army, but it not known which battalion LCpl Hooley had been serving in.
1st Battalion is permanently under the command of the Director Special Forces in the Special Forces Support Group.
The other battalions are the parachute infantry component of the Army's rapid response formation, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.
The Army points out how paratroopers are trained to conduct a range of missions, from prevention and pre-emption tasks, to complex, high-intensity warfighting.
Their watchwords are professionalism, resilience, discipline, versatility, courage and self-reliance.
Ukraine backed by Interflex
The exact roles being carried out by British forces in Ukraine are unknown; however the UK has had a leading role in supporting Ukrainian forces via Operation Interflex.
This UK-led multinational mission has been training Ukrainian troops as they defend their country against Russia.
Over the three years since the mission began, more than 56,000 Ukrainians have been trained by the UK and partner nations on essential battlefield skills.
These range from basic infantry training to leadership development and instructor qualifications.
Peace must be secured
The Prime Minister went on to say more must be done to secure peace in Ukraine.
"On Monday, I hosted President Zelensky, President Macron and Chancellor Mertz in Downing Street," Sir Keir told the Commons.
"We must redouble our efforts.
"The UK, Europe and our allies will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, stand up to Putin's aggression and work to deliver a just and lasting peace."
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