As news comes through of further Russian attacks on the Donbas region of Ukraine, I am all too aware of the concerns of all the people in this constituency who have offered homes for those fleeing the war, and the time it is taking to get the paperwork in order to allow people to travel here from Ukraine, Poland and other European countries which have taken them in.
Currently my office is dealing with a number of visa inquiries, some of which have been approved and the visitors have arrived safely in the UK. Others are still waiting, and my team and I are doing all we can to expedite the more urgent cases, and ask for updates for those who have applied more recently to come here.
The system is working, with Home Office staff working round the clock throughout the Easter break to deal with applications, and I will continue to press for help for all those who need to come here as a matter of urgency.
The Prime Minister has been to Ukraine to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, to underline our unwavering support for his country. The UK is providing extensive new military and economic assistance for Ukraine, including 120 armoured vehicles and anti-ship missile systems and a further $500 million loan guarantee to Ukraine, in addition to the £100 million of military equipment.
We are leading the way at meetings with key allies, urging them to step up support for Ukraine and strengthen joint action against Russian aggression. The Prime Minister hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda in Downing Street after recently meeting NATO and the G7leaders in Brussels, urging our allies to step up a gear in response to Russia’s use of increasingly brutal tactics by providing enhanced defensive support to Ukraine and doubling down on economic sanctions against the Kremlin.
It is a terrible situation, and we will do all we can to help Ukraine, be it equipment and financial assistance, or providing homes for those who cannot stay in their own country because of the Russian aggression.
