Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukrainian Refugees

Monday 5 January 2026 · 2 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Catherine Fookes asked about practical hurdles faced by Ukrainian refugees in Monmouthshire due to their temporary status.
  • The Government responded by committing to support Ukrainians with access to work, healthcare, and education, and introduced an extension of three and a half years for certainty.
  • Wera Hobhouse inquired about employment support and English language provision for Ukrainian refugees in Bath as highlighted in the PCU report.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Context

More than 400 Ukrainians have been offered temporary sanctuary through the dedicated Ukraine schemes and are contributing to the community in Monmouthshire. However, their temporary status creates practical hurdles such as housing or university grant applications.

Question

Monmouthshire hosts more than 400 refugees from Ukraine, most of whom work locally and contribute significantly to the community. Ukrainians say that their temporary status can create practical hurdles, including in housing or university grant applications because they may suddenly be uprooted. What is the Minister doing through the visa system to ensure that refugees from Ukraine have the necessary support and stability to thrive here in the UK in the long term?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)

This Government remain committed to supporting Ukraine following Russia’s illegal invasion. Ukrainians in Monmouthshire and across the UK have full access to work, healthcare and education. The Government acted swiftly to introduce a further extension of three and a half years to provide certainty. Ukrainian visa applications are processed swiftly, and e-visas can be easily accessed online to prove status. The Department for Education is working closely with higher education providers to ensure that they support Ukrainians in maintaining stable access to their studies. This bespoke route offers temporary sanctuary, balancing the immediate needs of Ukrainians with the future needs of Ukraine as it rebuilds.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific actions for long-term stability beyond extensions and swift processing.

How: Work Closely With Higher Education Providers To Ensure That They Support Ukrainians

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Q2 Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath
Context

The Public and Commercial Services Union report “Welcoming Growth” highlights the importance of employment support and English language provision in enabling refugees to contribute to society.

Question

Bath Welcomes Refugees has supported more than 800 refugees to integrate and access vital services such as housing. The PCU report ‘Welcoming Growth’ highlights the importance of employment support and English language provision for Ukrainian refugees in Bath. What consideration has the Department given to these recommendations to support Ukrainian refugees in Bath?

Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mike Tapp)

Those here on these bespoke routes have access to full work, healthcare and education. I will take the hon. Lady’s point away to my team after this session.

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide any specific considerations or actions taken regarding employment support and English language provision based on the PCU report.

How: Take The Hon. Lady’S Point Away To My Team

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