Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Extending the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme 2025-07-21

21 July 2025 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Martin Wrigley LD Newton Abbot

Ukraine

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Martin Wrigley raised concerns about extending the ukraine permission extension scheme 2025-07-21 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme highlight difficulties faced by Ukrainian guests with fewer than 12 months remaining on their visas.
  • The initial three-year duration of the scheme was extended by 18 months, but new arrivals receive only 18 months to stay without refugee status.
  • The Minister emphasized the Government's steadfast support for Ukraine and mentioned the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership signed by the Prime Minister earlier in the year.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Martin Wrigley LD Newton Abbot

I am happy to have secured this debate on Homes for Ukraine and the Ukraine permission extension scheme. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Putin's Russia started in February 2022, leading to more than 15% of the population seeking sanctuary outside the war zone. Just under 270,000 visas under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have been issued to Ukrainian guests, with over 2,399 in Devon. The initial three-year duration was extended by 18 months, but this leaves many facing fewer than 12 months on their visas, making it difficult to rent new flats or secure jobs. New arrivals now only get 18 months to stay and do not have refugee status but the right to work and receive funding such as monthly host payments and help with rent.

Other contributors (15)
  • Calum Miller LD Bicester and Woodstock

    I am grateful for my hon. Friend's excellent remarks. Two cases in my constituency show the issue, where UK Visas and Immigration gives itself a standard service time of eight weeks to respond to extension requests.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    I commend the hon. Gentleman for bringing this issue forward. Ukrainian children are being educated in our schools, and their parents are working and spending in the local community.

  • Claire Young LD Thornbury and Yate

    My hon. Friend is making an important point. Many Ukrainians cannot return home due to destroyed towns and need a permanent solution.

  • Victoria Collins LD Harpenden and Berkhamsted

    I have a Ukrainian guest who feels safe in Berkhamsted and asks for a long-term solution, similar to that in Poland.

  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Can the hon. Gentleman explain the attitude of the Ukrainian Government regarding those here as dependants?

  • Tessa Munt LD Wells and Mendip Hills

    Could we ask for clarity about women with dependent children or elderly relatives unable to meet income thresholds under settlement routes like skilled worker visa?

  • Manuela Perteghella LD Stratford-on-Avon

    Residents in my constituency have opened their homes and hearts to Ukrainian families, and a bespoke route to permanent residency is needed.

  • Laurence Turner Lab Birmingham Northfield

    Has the hon. Member seen research on loss of employment and tenancies for Ukrainian refugees?

  • Douglas McAllister Lab West Dunbartonshire

    Last month, I had the privilege of meeting Ukrainian families who need stability and security, which 18 months is too short to provide.

  • Sarah Russell Lab Congleton

    He talks about children. There are children in my constituency who came here as very small children and have only ever been in the English education system. Their parents are deeply concerned about what will happen to them going forward, so it would be appropriate for us to look to put in place permanent measures as soon as humanly possible.

  • Cameron Thomas LD Tewkesbury

    I thank my hon. Friend for bringing forward this debate... I am sure my hon. Friend will join me in saying that while the heroes of Ukraine fight Putin, for us as much as for them, we should stand guard over their families.

  • Gideon Amos LD Taunton and Wellington

    I am sure that my hon. Friend will want to share his sympathies for Julia in my constituency, who no longer has her flat or any accommodation back in Ukraine... She now finds that she may no longer be secure and safe in this country.

  • Graeme Downie Lab Dunfermline and Dollar

    He raised specific concerns about Karine Osipyan and Artur Manucharyan, who were granted permission under the Ukraine family scheme in error, and whose application might not be granted. He requested that the Minister look into this case specifically.

  • Martin Wrigley

    He thanked the Minister for announcing an extension to the leave beyond 18 months.

  • John Slinger Lab Rugby

    He commended the Ukrainian community in his constituency for their wonderful work supporting Ukrainians and expressed gratitude for the Minister’s comments.

Government Response

Government Minister

I am grateful to the hon. Member for Newton Abbot (Martin Wrigley) for securing this debate on what is an important topic for us all... I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that the Government’s support for Ukraine remains utterly steadfast. Members will also be aware of the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership, which was signed by the Prime Minister earlier this year... It is important that we see that work ongoing, with the partnership bringing economic, cultural and educational benefits to both our countries not just now, but in future. The Minister acknowledged Graeme Downie's case and assured him that officials would review the constituents' details. She confirmed an extension to the Ukraine permission extension scheme, providing additional months of stay in the UK with continued access to work, benefits, healthcare, and education. The Government is working closely with partners including the Ukrainian embassy, Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, European Commission, and international stakeholders to balance responsibilities towards those on schemes and citizens of Ukraine more broadly, alongside the wishes of the Ukrainian Government. She thanked the hon. Member for Newton Abbot for securing the debate, highlighting the United Kingdom’s support for Ukrainians during their time of need.

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