Credit: Yehor Milohrodskyi, Unsplash
Like many residents in East Ham, I am deeply troubled by the desperate situation in Ukraine.
The UNHCR has estimated that over 1.7 million people have had to leave Ukraine, particularly mothers and children. The majority of people want to stay in the region, but others are looking to travel further afield. The UK must play its part in offering protection to those who want to come here.
I have been in touch with a number of constituents in recent weeks who are looking to bring family members to the UK. Unfortunately, the Home Office has been trying to respond to the crisis through the existing visa system, with just limited changes. That is totally wrong and fails to recognise the gravity of the crisis or the urgency of the situation. It has led to the shameful situation of family members fleeing war in Europe being asked for their finances or their English language skills, elderly parents being turned away in Paris, and Ministers even suggesting that Ukrainians should use the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Visa to come to the UK.
I am hopeful that Ministers will soon set out a clear, simple route to sanctuary in the UK for people fleeing Ukraine. At the moment there is a huge gap between their rhetoric and the reality of those trying to make their way here.
Many Ukrainian relatives of UK residents are still not able to come here. These include family members of people here on work, study and visitor visas. It also excludes those who came here on UK Spouse Visas who would be unable to bring over family members. Nevertheless, I would urge any constituent with relatives in Ukraine to contact me as soon as possible to see if I can do anything to help. Please click here should you wish to get in touch.