I am pleased to see the Government standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in establishing a humanitarian sponsorship pathway which will open up a route to the UK for Ukrainians without family ties with the UK but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses, and community groups. This is as well as making it easier for Ukrainians living in the UK to bring their relatives to our country.
In Westminster I was proud to show my support dressed in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, alongside Defra ministers Jo Churchill and Rebecca Pow, whom I am proud to be PPS to.
You can find out more about our response and how we are standing with Ukraine, including my questions in the House of Commons here
I have also put together this page which has more information and contact details for those UK citizens still in Ukraine or how we in North Devon can help house and support our Ukrainian friends.
The Ukrainian Ministers are asking for the UK not to send clothes, food or medicine as they are concerned that if a large amount is donated a lot will be rejected or goods will perish. They are very grateful for the kind offers, but would prefer financial support instead and are encouraging donations instead to the organisations listed above.
British Red Cross - https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency - https://donate.unrefugees.org.uk/general/~my-donation
We as a nation stand with Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini.