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Resettlement of Ukrainians Coatbridge 2025-03-26
26 March 2025
Lead MP
Frank McNally
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ImmigrationUkraineTaxation
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Frank McNally raised concerns about resettlement of ukrainians coatbridge 2025-03-26 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
It is a privilege to bring the resettlement of Ukrainians in Coatbridge to the House this evening. We recently recognised the third anniversary of Russia’s barbaric and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, where both central and local governments, as well as ordinary people, stepped up to support Ukrainian refugees. North Lanarkshire council delivered the Warm Scots Welcome programme by renovating empty flats for 400 Ukrainians into permanent accommodation. The resettlement team in North Lanarkshire has effectively supported refugees from crisis areas across the world and was commended with awards. A number of establishments within my constituency have engaged in efforts to support Ukrainian refugees, who feel comfortable celebrating their national heritage and engaging the local community. Local primary schools embraced thriving Ukrainian pupils, and cultural events were held to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day. The programme's achievements are a result of multidisciplinary effort involving housing services, health partners, social work departments, faith groups, and voluntary organisations. However, it is important that the Department continues to look at visa situation regarding permanent right to remain for Ukrainians.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Compliments Frank McNally's work in his constituency and highlights similar efforts in Strangford, including employment opportunities for Ukrainians.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab/Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
Highlights the importance of sharing best practice across local authorities to respond quickly in times of crisis and support refugees effectively.
Alison Taylor
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Commends organisations that have employed Ukrainian refugees, including Glasgow airport which hosted a jobs fair for refugees arriving at Paisley.
Lillian Jones
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Pays tribute to families who opened their doors to Ukrainians in the early days of the resettlement programme, welcoming them into their homes.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
I am minded to mention the 80th anniversary of Operation Open Door, in which the Royal Navy rescued refugees from Norway and brought them to Neilston where they found sanctuary among the villagers. The relationships formed will last for generations.
Government Response
I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Bellshill for securing this important Adjournment debate on the issue of displaced Ukrainians here in the UK, and the resettlement of Ukrainians in his constituency. I thank all hon. Members for their support. North Lanarkshire council responded effectively to the needs of Ukrainian families arriving in the UK. The Ukraine permission extension scheme offers a further 18 months' stay in the UK and continuity of rights to work, study and access benefits. We engage regularly with the Ukrainian community and are unwavering in our support for Ukraine's defence against Putin’s unprovoked war. In February, we signed the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement to ensure an enduring alliance beyond this conflict, covering economic cooperation, investment in energy and infrastructure, cultural ties, including school twinning. We have offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians through bespoke visa schemes. The Ukraine permission extension scheme provides certainty for those displaced by the war in Ukraine. The importance of their future return is paramount as millions more remain displaced in Europe and beyond.
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