The visit by Volodymyr Zelensky to the UK last week was an extraordinary moment. Last March, soon after Putin’s illegal invasion, President Zelensky became the first person in history to address the House of Commons by being broadcast direct into the Chamber. I have to confess that at the time I feared he would soon be dead. Last week we saw that both he and Ukraine are still very much alive.
His address to MPs and Lords in our ancient Westminster Hall praised and thanked the UK for coming to his country’s aid in its hour of need. Dressed in simple army fatigues, he received a rapturous welcome - and assurances that Ukraine his people could rely on British friendship for a long time to come.
I am still receiving a steady stream of requests for assistance in getting information about the progress of visas for those coming to Brentwood and Ongar through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and I know those who have already been here for more than six months are settling in well and getting the support they need.
I visited one sponsor family who have had a very positive experience with their guest and her small children, and they were able to share with me the views of other families about the positives of opening up their homes to complete strangers, and where the system needs some improving.
On the whole the experiences appear to have been good, although there has been some frustration about the communication during the visa application progress, and the need for wider family support for young children who have been traumatised by the long and stressful journey from Ukraine to the UK, usually having to leave one parent behind and arriving in a country where everything, including the language, is new.
I am extremely grateful to all those in the constituency who have taken people in and supported them. Sadly, it seems they may not be able to return to their home country very soon, but I have no doubt they will have the support and friendship they need here until it is safe for them to return.
