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Ukraine
01 March 2022
Lead MP
Priti Patel
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ImmigrationUkraine
Other Contributors: 63
At a Glance
Priti Patel raised concerns about ukraine 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:
Government Statement
The UK is providing military support, sanctions, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in response to Putin's unjust war. The Government has introduced visa penalty measures for Russian and other state threats to national security or allies, endorsed the suspension of Russia from Interpol, and created a bespoke humanitarian package for Ukrainians. This includes easing immigration rules to allow family members of British nationals residing in Ukraine to enter without language requirements or salary thresholds, enabling 100,000 additional Ukrainians access to work and public services. The Government has also established a Ukrainian Family Scheme and Humanitarian Sponsorship Pathway, both with no numerical limits, providing displaced Ukrainians an initial leave of 12 months in the UK. The Home Office is working closely with international partners and devolved Administrations to support this initiative.
James Duddridge
Con
Rochford and Southend East
Question
The MP asks about the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression. He inquires whether Britain will commit to supplying further military aid, including armaments and intelligence support.
Minister reply
The Minister states that the UK has already committed substantial military aid and defensive equipment to Ukraine, alongside training thousands of Ukrainian troops. She emphasises the importance of a united international front in supporting Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Question
The MP questions the Home Office’s handling of applications from Ukrainian nationals seeking to enter the UK through various visa routes. She expresses concerns about delays and seeks assurances that all valid applications will be processed efficiently.
Minister reply
The Minister assures that contingency plans are in place, including additional capacity at visa application centres, rapid deployment teams on the ground, and flexibility in rules to ensure swift processing of Ukrainian nationals' applications.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
The MP asks about legal challenges or objections that might arise from non-governmental entities regarding the UK's humanitarian response measures for Ukraine. He seeks clarity on how such issues will be addressed.
Minister reply
The Minister explains that while there may be concerns raised by NGOs, the Government prioritises a robust and secure approach to ensure the safety of British citizens. She confirms that security advice remains paramount in decision-making processes.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
Cooper raised concerns about the initial refusal of visas to Valentyna Klimova in Paris and requested a refund for fees paid. She also asked if stepchildren would be included in the family visa scheme. Additionally, she questioned whether uncles and aunts could sponsor family members seeking sanctuary from Ukraine. Cooper sought assurance that no matter what visa their family member has in the UK, Ukrainian families should receive sanctuary.
Minister reply
Patel confirmed that all fees for schemes will be waived, and refunds will be provided if necessary. Stepchildren are included in the scheme. The Home Office will provide a team based at Portcullis House to facilitate case processing directly referred by MPs starting tomorrow.
Roger Gale
Con
Herne Bay and Sandwich
Question
The women and children fleeing Ukraine are seeking refuge from a war in a member state of the Council of Europe, so we have a clear duty towards them. Can we please cut through red tape to get these people home so that their menfolk can know their families are safe?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend's point is well-taken. We are working with Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary to create pathways for refugees to come to the UK. The situation on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries complicates efforts but we are surging capacity to assist.
Question
The Home Office's response has been too slow, piecemeal, and not generous enough. Can all Ukrainian visas be comprehensively extended for a year? Will the Government waive visa requirements and offer comprehensive protection?
Minister reply
I find those comments offensive. The UK is responding generously and practically. We are working with European colleagues to establish temporary protection measures.
David Davis
Con
Goole and Pocklington
Question
The numbers of refugees coming out of Ukraine may reach 5 million or more, with significant burdens on housing, education and social support. Will discussions be had to ensure this burden is shared across the continent?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend is correct. We are in touch frequently with Commissioner Johansson and discussing how to establish temporary protection measures practically.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Question
What role will the Home Office play in the humanitarian sponsorship pathway? What resources are being put into it? When do you expect the first Ukrainians to arrive under the pathway?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State for Levelling Up will lead the community scheme. We are learning from previous schemes and must be honest about supporting refugees coming over.
Question
A hotel in my constituency is being prepared to welcome Ukrainians. Can you update the House on what communities can do to support those who will arrive?
Minister reply
My right hon Friend is correct. A warm welcome from the British people is crucial. Women and children coming here should be helped with accommodation, education, and feeling secure.
Hilary Benn
Lab
Leeds South
Question
Under your policy, can a Ukrainian national mother and her two children who have reached Poland come to the UK if they have family willing to give them shelter?
Minister reply
Yes. The right hon Gentleman should send me details.
Damian Green
Con
Ashford
Question
Welcomes the humanitarian sponsorship pathway and asks for more details about sponsor responsibilities, expressing belief in public generosity in supporting refugees.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the point made by Damian Green and emphasises that while she cannot provide specific details on sponsors' responsibilities due to the cross-Government nature of the work, she highlights the community's willingness to support refugees.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Question
Expresses concern about delays in sanctioning Russian officials and oligarchs, suggesting that Parliament should read out sanction criteria to protect from legal challenges.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the point raised by Chris Bryant, noting ongoing work on sanctions but expressing reluctance to interfere with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office efforts.
Robert Buckland
Con
South Swindon
Question
Praises the announcement about the humanitarian sponsorship pathway and emphasises the need for a unique response considering the rapid displacement of people from Ukraine.
Minister reply
Thanks Robert Buckland, emphasising that each scenario requires a bespoke response and outlining efforts to work closely with the Department for Levelling Up.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Question
Asks about measures taken to assist refugees from Ukraine who have been granted visas but cannot collect their physical documentation due to safety concerns.
Minister reply
Explains ongoing efforts to verify data of those trying to leave Ukraine and urges Joanna Cherry to provide case details for further action.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Urges consideration for Afghan refugees stuck in Pakistan who cannot show themselves due to documentation issues, suggesting safe extraction measures.
Minister reply
Thanks Julian Lewis and emphasises ongoing work with MOD and FCDO on this issue.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Inquires about delays in visa applications for refugees from Ukraine, requesting information on the number of such cases and steps to assist.
Minister reply
Promises to look into the specific case Clive Efford mentioned upon receiving more details.
Bill Cash
Con
Stone
Question
Compliments Priti Patel's work and urges quick enactment of the Nationality and Borders Bill, currently in the House of Lords.
Minister reply
Acknowledges support from Bill Cash and expresses efforts to operationalize legislation as soon as possible.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Twickenham
Question
Suggests establishing a scheme open to all those fleeing war and persecution, highlighting the Prime Minister's emphasis on compassion.
Minister reply
Emphasises that current measures are specifically for Ukraine and outlines plans for further announcements regarding humanitarian aid and resettlement.
Mark Harper
Con
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Question
I warmly welcome the changes that the Home Secretary has set out, and I say gently to SNP Members that it is important to keep biometric checks in place. I still remember what happened in Salisbury. The Putin regime will not hesitate to send agents here to kill British citizens, and it is the Home Secretary’s job to ensure we keep people safe.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right, and I thank him for his comments and understanding on this. Our intelligence and security agencies have been there right from the outset. That is not just recent information, but information that has been in place for many months, dating back to early last year.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
Question
I note the very strong emphasis on community sponsorship in the Home Secretary’s statement. I am a supporter of community sponsorship, which provides a fantastic welcome for refugees who come through that route, but it requires a huge amount of work by community groups, and many hurdles to be jumped over at the Home Office.
Minister reply
I come back to my earlier remarks about working with the diaspora community. This is something that has been asked for specifically, working with the ambassador as well. This will not be Home Office led. The Home Office has a role to play, but this is a whole-of-Government effort, which is why the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will lead on the community engagement piece, and work with communities on this.
Chris Grayling
Con
Richmond Park
Question
I commend my right hon. Friend on what I think is the right approach. I listened with surprise to the Opposition saying that there should be no process. It does not help the refugees themselves if we have a completely chaotic situation.
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Again, having a united response on this is really important; I do not just mean in this House but internationally. That is why I am not underplaying the emphasis on working with our partners and friends in the region, the Ukrainian Government and UN agencies.
Ben Bradshaw
Lab
Exeter
Question
What a lot of people do not understand, including me, Secretary of State, is why it is not possible to keep the security checks while matching the EU’s generous three-year visa-free entry offer.
Minister reply
I have made my point on security checks. We have been the target, basically, of Putin’s Russia. On the EU’s approach, the EU is still discussing how it intends to operationalise its mechanism. I am in touch with the commissioner. As soon as I know more from the commissioner, obviously we will work with them. We are not working in isolation: I want to make that quite clear to all colleagues.
Laura Farris
Lab
Erewash
Question
I welcome the offer that the Home Secretary has announced to the Ukrainian people at this moment of desperate need, and her reassurance that there will be no limit on the numbers of Ukrainian people who can enter the United Kingdom under one of the qualifying schemes.
Minister reply
Of course. I say to all Members of the House who have cases coming to them that, as I have said, we will have staff in Portcullis House from tomorrow. We will write to all Members this afternoon with basic information about where to go with their cases.
Clive Betts
Lab
Sheffield South East
Question
Receiving refugees here is the first step; how we treat them once they get here is just as important. I appreciate that the Home Secretary has said that that becomes a responsibility for the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Minister reply
I absolutely understand and hear the points that the hon. Gentleman is making, with his experience across the board in local government. It is important to say that this is a whole-of-Government effort. We are one Government, and we are taking an integrated approach.
North Cotswolds
Question
Following on from the question of the hon. Member for Sheffield South East (Mr Betts), can my right hon. Friend say a little more? I accept that it is not her direct responsibility, but he asked about the cross-Government effort to ensure that refugees coming into this country are given a proper welcome.
Minister reply
I give my hon. Friend that reassurance. This is a whole-of-Government effort. As I think I mentioned, we learn from previous efforts. Syria and Afghanistan were harrowing conflicts. People arrived in our country.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Question
The Secretary of State alluded to the sponsorship pathway. Will she have discussions with the devolved institutions, so that there is a seamless approach in all parts of the United Kingdom? I assume that that would ensure that she would have discussions with at least one Sinn Féin Minister.
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman makes a powerful point. At a time such as this, there should be no room for political issues or political points. That is really quite important. The world is in crisis. Look at how the west has been threatened.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
Question
Everybody wants to be humanitarian, and the Home Secretary is under pressure to have a visa-free scheme like the rest of Europe, but may I congratulate her on her proportionate response? We have to remember that, unlike the rest of Europe, we have uniquely liberal labour laws and we speak English, so we are the country of choice for mass immigration. I therefore urge her to listen to not only all the humanitarian voices but the voices of people in, for instance, Lincolnshire, where we feel we have really done our bit in terms of migration from eastern Europe. We are under extreme pressure in terms of housing and jobs. [Interruption.] I know that this is difficult to say, but we have to be honest about it. May I therefore be a correcting voice, and congratulate her on her humanitarian but proportionate response, and on not throwing away the immigration rulebook?
Minister reply
My right hon. Friend makes some important points about the balanced and pragmatic approach that we are taking. First and foremost, as I have said to the House throughout this session, we have worked directly with our partners in the region and the Ukrainian Government. We have to understand their needs as well. We want to do the right thing by the people of Ukraine; there is no question about that.
Question
I have a constituent living here with his Ukrainian spouse of 22 years who wants to offer his home as a sanctuary to three family members fleeing the war in Ukraine and now heading to a third country. They are a niece and her young daughter, and a cousin’s young daughter. However, the Government’s Ukrainian family scheme does not include nieces and cousins. Most of us, I think, would say that our families include our nieces and our cousins. What can I tell my constituent about offering sanctuary and his home to his family members? Will the Secretary of State reconsider including other family members in the family scheme and the time limit of 12 months when other countries have allowed up to three years?
Minister reply
As I said, if the hon. Lady wants to send me the details we will look into that.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Question
I think most of my constituents would like us to be generous with the sanctuary that we offer to those fleeing besieged homes. The measures my right hon. Friend announced will allow people to turn their generosity into practical and direct action. Will she continue to work with organisations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, to look at how else we can best support those in need?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I want to come back to a point I made earlier on. The situation is very difficult in-region and in Ukraine. Inevitably, UN agencies will be asked to do more and there will be more convening. It will not just be about money, but practical aid and support. We will continue to work with agency partners in the United Kingdom, because we have to integrate and join up how we help the people of Ukraine.
Question
As the Home Secretary knows, and I am glad she has already mentioned it, I have a constituent, Derek MacLeod, a businessman on the Isle of Lewis, who has 20 family members and in-laws—normal people who are now refugees—on the Poland-Ukraine border. The accommodation is there and we want them in the Hebrides, but so far red tape in London is stopping them from coming to Scotland. There is a simple question from Mr MacLeod: can the 20 come to the Isle of Lewis? As Mr MacLeod says, time is lives, and he and his wife are very concerned.
Minister reply
That is a case that the hon. Gentleman has already been in touch with me about. We are looking into it.
Question
I am very grateful to the Home Secretary for coming to the House at the earliest opportunity to update us. As we know, women and children are fleeing through west Ukraine to get to safe countries, but they are obviously vulnerable to air attack by Russian aircraft. Has there been any discussion on creating a no-fly safe zone in western Ukraine for refugees? Did the Home Secretary discuss that when she spoke to the Ukrainian ambassador?
Minister reply
We discuss all issues, some of which I cannot share on the Floor of the House because they are very sensitive in light of the attacks. I know my hon. Friend will respect that. Discussions are taking place constantly, but he is right to highlight just how dangerous, volatile and precarious the situation is. All of us are mindful of that as we work with our counterparts and our colleagues.
Nadia Whittome
Lab
Nottingham East
Question
Someone very dear to me who helped to raise me and who came to this country from Ukraine after the second world war would not have been eligible under any of the Home Secretary’s schemes. Today’s announcement, while welcome, is heavily caveated and still falls far short of what is needed. I want the Prime Minister to honour the words he spoke to me last week in this Chamber and put in place meaningful support for all those fleeing Ukraine. When will the Home Office start waiving visas and not just waving flags?
Minister reply
I refer the hon. Lady to what I have said already in the House about the practical routes we are putting in place. [Interruption.] She can shake her head. I am sorry that she wants to be political, but we are putting in some very powerful routes that we will support. We do not know how many people will come over, but those routes have been developed in conjunction not just with our colleagues in the Ukrainian Government and other counterparts, but from the actual needs of people from what we are hearing in the region.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for her statement and for highlighting the vital work being done behind the scenes to ensure that the scheme meets the needs of those fleeing the atrocities in Ukraine, and that it works with its neighbouring countries as well as recognises our own security needs. We would all like to do more to help the displaced people of Ukraine. Will she detail what practical things my constituents can do to help?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend highlights brilliantly the generosity of the British people in her own constituency. We are all grateful for that. It is important, as I have said a few times now in the discussions we have had in the House thus far, that we provide people with a warm welcome, and also work with local authorities, local councils, NHS trusts, schools, education and county councils.
Question
Millions of people across the country are desperate to help Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s monstrous and indiscriminate invasion by donating money and items desperately needed by Ukrainian refugees at thousands of sites across the country, including my constituency office. However, many of them are asking why Ireland and the EU can welcome all Ukrainians, yet their own Government refuse to do likewise. Ukrainian men, women and children are dying defending democracy and freedom, and they are dying for our freedom just as much as Ukraine’s. What does the Home Secretary say to those Ukrainians she has deemed not worthy of refuge in this country?
Minister reply
I am not even going to address the points the hon. Gentleman has made. I have spoken very clearly about the schemes. We are very clear. It is not just about our generosity. There are no limits. We are welcoming Ukrainian people to our country.
Danny Kruger
Reform
East Wiltshire
Question
I very much welcome the announcement today. Community sponsorship is absolutely the right approach to support refugees coming into this country. Of course, it does not come for free and volunteering is not free. I hope there might be some public funds available to support community groups, but perhaps even more helpfully, might my right hon. Friend work with the Charity Commission and charitable foundations to establish a philanthropic fund, so that people can make direct contributions themselves to support their neighbours who are supporting refugees?
Minister reply
That is an excellent suggestion, and I will take it back to colleagues in Government to look at how we can develop it.
Patrick Grady
SNP
West Dunbartonshire
Question
The Scottish National party’s position is that the refugees are welcome and that we should do everything in our power to offer sanctuary to people who need it. On that basis, and further to the question from the hon. Member for Twickenham (Munira Wilson), I note that the conflict has regional implications and that some of us are already starting to hear from constituents and business owners who have contracts in Belarus and elsewhere who want to flee Putin’s aggression. What routes are already open to them and will the kind of announcement that the Home Secretary has made today be extended to other countries in the region?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman can find routes published on gov.uk. The UK stands with Ukraine, supporting it through discussions with devolved Administrations.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Question
I congratulate my right hon. Friend on her work today to create new routes of entry for Ukrainians in the most invidious of positions and on her prior work for BNO citizens from Hong Kong and Afghan nationals. It is a brilliant reflection of the British people’s compassion. I have a constituent whose mother in Kyiv is elderly and infirm. The application centre in Lviv is critical and a lifeline to her to be able to come here. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that that application centre will remain open and that it will be as accessible as possible for those with disabilities?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend, the ambassador Melinda Simmons and her team are doing outstanding work. Cases should be sent to the Department so they can provide necessary support.
Question
The Home Secretary is right to talk about unity in response to events in Ukraine. We need our response to reflect public opinion and move towards a refugee crisis solution that accommodates family reunion schemes for those on temporary visas, as well as seriously considering the resettlement scheme proposed by the Refugee Council.
Minister reply
We do not rule anything out, but we are developing our response in conjunction with partners and will continue to review the situation.
Question
After successfully getting Russia suspended from the Council of Europe, I wish my right hon. Friend the best of luck with Interpol. Given the uncertainty over the future direction of this crisis, talking with Ukrainian authorities and those of neighbouring countries will be essential. If she needs any help in doing that, I am very willing to participate.
Minister reply
I thank my hon. Friend for his offer of support and would like to take him up on it regarding Interpol and the Council of Europe.
Ben Lake
PC
Ceredigion Preseli
Question
I hope that today’s statement will offer much-needed certainty to constituents who are worried about family members. Can adult siblings and their dependent children join UK families under the Ukrainian family scheme? Will unaccompanied grandchildren also be able to do so?
Minister reply
Yes, the answer is yes for both scenarios.
Jeremy Wright
Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Question
Given the assumption that most Ukrainians will want to return home as swiftly as they can, does this mean we can be more generous in our immigration approach regarding immediate family members and the simplicity of the humanitarian sponsorship pathway? What about Ukrainian forces who may wish to come back to the UK?
Minister reply
We are not ruling anything out due to the uncertainty and daily discussions with representatives in the region.
Question
My constituent’s sister and children have fled Ukraine to Poland, where they were welcomed on a 14-day green card. When she called the number provided by the Home Secretary, she was directed to the citizens advice bureau. Why is this piecemeal approach continuing instead of having a comprehensive, compassionate approach like other EU nations? And why direct constituents to citizens advice bureaux?
Minister reply
I will look into this issue raised now and clarify it.
Question
My constituent writes about her brother’s family hiding in a shelter, running out of food. The Ukrainian family scheme is good news for them. Can the Home Secretary say more about the humanitarian sponsorship pathway? A church in my constituency wants to help; how can they express interest at this stage?
Minister reply
If details are sent, the Department will pick up on it and fast-track offers from sponsors.
Question
Today we focus on Ukraine but stress importance of not forgetting Afghan refugees trying to flee Afghanistan and those in UK’s asylum system. Will the Home Secretary clarify whether routes outlined are open to people wanting to flee Ukraine who are not Ukrainian?
Minister reply
We have specific family, sponsorship, and community sponsorship routes. Work is under way right now on other categories.
Question
Quality of life for asylum seekers must be paramount; our broken system sees families stuck in hotels for over 18 months. In light of this, does my right hon. Friend agree that we need to fix this quickly to ensure all asylum seekers have quality of life?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is right, and capacity infrastructure needs are being addressed across the country.
Chris Stephens
SNP
Glasgow South West
Question
I am assuming from the Secretary of State’s statement that a constituent’s elderly mother, who previously visited on a tourist visa, now expired, would be considered for the Ukrainian family scheme. Could the Secretary of State also clarify whether individuals who have in the past had a successful visa application and are well known to the Home Office will have their applications fast-tracked as a result of applying for the Ukraine family scheme?
Minister reply
We will have to look at the individuals coming forward, because not everybody who has previously had a visa may want to come, but the family scheme will capture a considerable number of family members. Obviously, those who have been here before will be eligible to come within the family route, and we will make sure that that works.
Caroline Nokes
Con
Romsey and Southampton North
Question
As might be expected of a former Immigration Minister, I pay tribute to all the hard-working Home Office staff, particular those in region. Community sponsorship works—it really does—and we have long been recognised as global leader in it. Can I be reassured that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will make sure that this scheme works at pace, however, because that is one of the biggest lessons we have had to learn? We need this to work quickly because people are being bombed as they try to flee Ukraine. We often hear the language of burden sharing when we talk about refugees, but it is not a burden. We should regard it as a privilege to be in a position to help.
Minister reply
I echo the last words that my right hon. Friend used, because it is an absolute privilege—it is a dreadful phrase actually—for us not just to stand up in the world but give support to other human beings. She is absolutely right about community sponsorship, which we looked at for other schemes last year—Afghanistan and all the rest of it—and it works but needs to be stood up fast.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
The contrast between the desperate scenes of ordinary Ukrainians fighting for their lives or fleeing for their lives and the Home Secretary’s condescending and complacent “we are already doing so much we should be praised” statement is deeply troubling, especially given the long delays and numerous failings of the Afghan citizens settlement scheme and the asylum system more generally. Can she tell me whether a constituent of mine who is British and his Ukrainian partner can expect to be able to welcome her brother and sister, niece and nephew, and grandfather or grandmother, regardless of her immigration status?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady can send in the case and we will pick it up.
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend for her statement. It is clear that this is not a business-as-usual immigration exercise or mass economic migration; this is women, children and elderly people fleeing for their lives, and not knowing if they will see their fathers, sons, brothers or husbands ever again. I welcome the compassionate set of measures that my right hon. Friend has announced today. Does she agree that as well as providing safe haven for refugees fleeing the conflict, it is equally important that we throw every single economic and diplomatic sanction at the Russian regime and send the very clear message to Putin that he must withdraw his troops and peace must be restored in Ukraine?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is not a moment for making flippant remarks or anything of that nature, which has obviously taken place in the House in some quarters today. This is a collective effort. Putin must fail. There is no equivocation here, and no ambiguity whatsoever.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for her tireless efforts in these difficult days. Many missionaries from Northern Ireland and from across the United Kingdom are serving in Ukraine and helping those in need. Likewise, the local response of gathering practical aid in my constituency is humbling and commendable. Can the Secretary of State tell us what is being done to work with the extensive church networks in Ukraine to deliver and distribute much-needed aid to those who are in need?
Minister reply
The hon. Member makes a very important point. In fact, that was part of the conversation I had today with the ambassador. Aid in country is needed—it is absolutely needed—and getting aid into the country is a challenge. We should just be honest and level about this.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
The Home Secretary is right when she says that we do not know what is going to happen tomorrow or over the coming days, but one does not have to be an expert fortune teller to know that all of us across the House will be inundated by worried and concerned constituents trying to do the best for their friends and families. She has referenced, very helpfully, a new Member support service in Portcullis House and elsewhere. I know it is a small point in the general scheme of things, but can she flesh out a little bit more information about it? Will it be adequately resourced and will it be available to Members 24/7, because this is a crisis that does not sleep and does not rest?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. To emphasise his point, this is a crisis that does not sleep and does not rest: this is 24/7. We are standing up an operation tomorrow in Portcullis House, and we will obviously be working with all colleagues.
Question
Colleagues on both sides of the House were a little perturbed yesterday when the Home Secretary said: “I urge colleagues not to attempt casework themselves”.—[Official Report, 28 February 2022; Vol. 709, c. 701.] I am glad she has rowed back on that today in her statement. This session has shown the vital role that Members can play in bringing cases to the attention of Ministers where they need action. I welcome what she has said about that. I have listened carefully to her, and she said that she wanted to do things in a united and international way. I do not think she ruled out taking the approach of a temporary protection mechanism to allow access to public services. At the end of the day, do we really want to be a country that until recently was granting passports and privileges to Putin’s friends but that will not waive visas for Putin’s Ukrainian victims in their hour of need?
Minister reply
If I may, I will clarify a couple of things to the hon. Gentleman. First, in terms of what I said about casework yesterday, Members raise casework on the Floor of the House, and that is absolutely fine—I have not said, “Don’t do that”—but it is also the case that Members should bring cases directly in fast time.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
My constituent Tania, who is a dual British and Ukrainian national, is very concerned about her mother and sister in Kyiv, who she told me this morning are trying to get a train to safety. Can I welcome the confirmation that my right hon. Friend has given today that, God willing they make it, this family can be reunited in King’s Lynn?
Minister reply
I say to my hon. Friend that clearly we will do everything we can to help and support. It is very difficult.
Question
My constituent’s wife is a Ukrainian national who was granted a spousal visa last week, but in order to travel to the UK, she needs that visa added to her passport. The couple were in Poland when the invasion occurred, and neither the British embassy nor the third-party TLScontact can help. Can the Home Secretary therefore make urgent arrangements to allow the bureaucracy to take place in Warsaw, rather than their travelling back into the path of danger in Lviv, as the UK visas advice line asked them to do?
Minister reply
I am sure that can be done, because that will be documents of permission to travel.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
I welcome the Home Secretary's statement on creating a humanitarian support pathway for Ukrainian refugees, noting that security and biometric tests are necessary to prevent infiltration.
Minister reply
The minister agrees with the MP's concerns about infiltration and emphasises the importance of conducting comprehensive security checks.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Question
Concerned that Ukrainian refugees could be criminalised under the Nationality and Borders Bill, the MP asks if stepchildren and grandchildren will be included in the scheme.
Minister reply
The minister rejects concerns about the bill and confirms that the scheme includes stepchildren and grandchildren.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Question
Asks for details on how long the process will take, considering the urgency of cases like those of Joanna and Sergei's family.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the urgency but stresses that each case is unique and requires individual assessment.
Question
Highlights that many refugees are women and children, inquires about an assessment centre far from conflict zones, and asks if a previous visa overstay will be a barrier.
Minister reply
The minister advises sending information to the Home Office for case-specific advice.
Question
Raises concerns about Tatsiana and her one-year-old baby, who have been stranded without support from the Government.
Minister reply
The minister agrees to look into the case and intervene if necessary.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Asks how unused MOD properties can be utilised for resettlement housing.
Minister reply
The minister agrees that maximising the use of available estate is crucial and encourages private sector options.
Question
Inquires about discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the humanitarian sponsorship pathway in Scotland.
Minister reply
The minister confirms ongoing daily discussions and updates on the sponsorship route.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Pleads for assistance to bring a lady's children home as soon as possible, highlights offers from local employers willing to hire Ukrainians.
Minister reply
The minister thanks the MP and confirms the family route is in place, offering access to public benefits and work opportunities.
Shadow Comment
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Comment
The shadow response highlights concerns about bureaucratic hurdles and delays affecting the humanitarian package's effectiveness. Yvette Cooper questions the practical implementation details of visa waivers and family sponsorship schemes, seeking clarity on financial refunds for rejected applicants, inclusion criteria, and rapid deployment measures. She also calls for an emergency humanitarian or protection visa to expedite assistance beyond immediate families. Regarding community sponsorship, she queries the scheme's pace and complexity, urging improvements for quicker support delivery.
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