Finally - A Response from my MP re Ukrainian Refugees

 Nearly a month ago I wrote to my MP to express my concern over the pathetic response of the Home Office to the Ukranian Refugee issue. Finally I have a response - platitude laden though it may be. I have appended it to this post.

I presume that it was put together by some poor little civil servant or parliamentary aide but you'd expect some sort of sense check wouldn't you. Take this sentence: "A few weeks ago, I co-signed a letter to the Prime Minister, alongside over 40 other Conservative MPs, calling on the Government to provide as much support to our European partners who are currently the first safe havens for Ukrainian refugees, namely Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.". As much support as who? or what? Come on - at least make sure your reply is understandable!

As for "I am proud that Britain continues to lead.....". It doesn't, quite evidently from the numbers.

Enough whingeing; here's the full response:

Dear Richard ,

Thank you for taking the time to write to me about the support that the Home Office is providing to Ukrainian nationals.

The Russian attack on Ukraine is an unprovoked and anti-democratic act of aggression and I am appalled by the conduct of Putin’s expansionist regime. The situation in Ukraine remains deeply concerning so I welcome the work that the Home Office has been doing over the course of recent weeks to stand up a comprehensive package of support for those fleeing Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals already in the UK.

The situation is developing quickly, and so the Government has to evolve its plans to adapt.  I therefore welcome the expansive Ukrainian Family Scheme which allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come or stay in the UK. Those joining the Scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work, study and access public funds. The Scheme is also free and does not include any salary or language requirements.

Ukrainians already in the UK can either extend their visa or switch to another immigration route, where eligible, even if their visa does not normally allow them to do so. Guidance on the support available to Ukrainian nationals and their family members can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk

Furthermore, I warmly welcome the launch of the new 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme which will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety - including those with no family ties with the UK. Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month. Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted three years' leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

Whilst the package of measures that the Government has announced is welcome, many constituents across Guildford, like yourself, who have taken the time to write to me would like to see the Government go further and act in conjunction with other European countries to share the responsibility for supporting Ukrainian refugees.

A few weeks ago, I co-signed a letter to the Prime Minister, alongside over 40 other Conservative MPs, calling on the Government to provide as much support to our European partners who are currently the first safe havens for Ukrainian refugees, namely Poland, Moldova, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. The letter called for a more flexible and pragmatic approach to those Ukrainians wishing to seek temporary refuge in the UK until it is safe to return to their lives in Ukraine. This crisis is not another migration crisis, it is a crisis of war, and the UK must offer sincere and immediate support for the Ukrainian people. I would like our message to be clear: Ukrainian victims of war seeking refuge are welcome.

I am proud that Britain continues to lead and is providing support in every aspect of this Ukraine conflict. Ministers have assured me that they continue to keep the Government’s handling of the situation under review as it develops, and I will continue to feedback to them regularly.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Best wishes,
 

Angela Richardson MP
Member of Parliament for Guildford
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Tel: 020 7219 5851