Ukrainian Refugees 2022-09-08

2022-09-08

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Desmond Swayne Con
New Forest West
Context
The MP inquired about the Church's efforts to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK.
What steps is the Church taking to help support Ukrainian refugees?
Six bishops and hundreds of clergy have Ukrainian evacuees living with them, and the Church of England is using vacant vicarages in a number of places. Churches are also actively involved in recruiting new hosts where needed.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Greg Smith Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Context
The MP highlighted local churches' support for Ukrainian refugees, including English lessons and a children's summer week.
Will my hon. Friend join me in thanking all our churches for the work they are doing to support our Ukrainian friends? What more can the Church of England do to support churches such as St Dunstan's in their work?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the interest that he takes in and the support that he gives to his local churches. It is wonderful to hear of the practical compassion in action of St Dunstan's in Monks Risborough and St Mary's in Princes Risborough. I know that those churches are making a big difference to the lives of Ukrainian refugees. I assure him that the Church is actively seeking new hosts where some families want to pass on that responsibility and it will keep on with this important work.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Desmond Swayne Con
New Forest West
Context
The MP asked about actions to encourage church members and congregations to continue supporting Ukrainian refugees after the initial sponsorship period.
As we approach the six-month point, what action can the Church take to encourage members of their congregations to step forward—and the congregations themselves to support them—where some initial sponsorships are not renewed?
My right hon. Friend asks a typically pertinent question. I reassure him that many dioceses are developing schemes to rematch sponsors and Ukrainian refugees as the initial six-month placements draw to an end. We are also funding other support programmes for Ukrainians, for which I am extremely grateful. We must all guard against compassion fatigue.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Context
The MP reported on the challenges faced by local churches supporting Ukrainian refugees, such as housing and education needs.
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that my parish church in Huddersfield is playing a very good role in helping Ukrainian refugees, but in a sense the honeymoon period is over? People from Ukraine in my constituency told me last week that they need help with permanent housing, with education and with the translation of their qualifications into English qualifications. They also very much need to use their high skills to help the community.
I am grateful for what the hon. Gentleman has told the House. I know that he takes a supportive interest in what his local churches do in this important area. He is right in everything he says. The Government will play their part, and I can assure him that the Church will absolutely continue to be there at a national and local level to do everything that is needed.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Direct Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
The MP inquired about the possibility of allowing free use of parish halls for English lessons and community hubs for rural Ukrainians.
Following on from what other hon. Members have said about the integration of Ukrainian refugees, has consideration been given to allowing the use of parish halls free of charge for English lessons and as community hubs for small pockets of rural Ukrainians to meet?
The hon. Gentleman makes typically sensible suggestions. He has put them on the record, and I know that the Church will do everything possible nationally and locally. He has made good suggestions.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy