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City MP joins call for emergency protection visa to speed up help for Ukraine

By 4 March 2022July 3rd, 2022No Comments
Credit: Karollyne Hubert

Stephen Morgan MP has joined calls on the government to create a simple emergency visa for all Ukrainians that need sanctuary and protection in the UK, helping to end the ongoing confusion over its policy on refugees fleeing Putin’s war.

 

The government repeatedly promised this week that the UK will join other countries in providing protection for those who have fled the Russian bombardment in Ukraine.  

  

However, despite the commitments made by the Prime Minister and Home Secretary on sanctuary, Labour warns the “rhetoric does not match the reality”. 

 

On Tuesday, following pressure from Labour and from communities across the country, the Home Office agreed to widen the Family Migration Visa for Ukraine and promised to establish a community sponsorship scheme open to all. But many relatives of UK residents still do not qualify under the family visa, the community sponsorship programme will take time to set up, and there is still no provision for people in Britain to help Ukrainian friends.   

   

Labour is calling for the Home Office to end the confusion of the past week and urgently introduce emergency protection visas for those fleeing Ukraine who want to reach the UK. It would lift normal visa conditions other than biometrics and security checks which can be swiftly done en route. This would provide a quick, simple and safe route to sanctuary for all who need it – going beyond the current family provisions and ensuring that those fleeing war are not forced to apply through standard visa channels.   

  

Labour is also urging the government to set up an emergency taskforce to accelerate the sponsorship scheme, and work with charities and local government, to ensure that there is adequate support for all Ukrainians when they arrive, especially elderly people and children. These changes would allow families to get protection and sanctuary in the UK swiftly and safely, without the Home Office throwing long delays or barriers in their way at a time of unimaginable trauma and crisis.

 

The latest action by the city MP follows his lobbying of the Immigration Minister earlier this week, with Mr Morgan writing to the Government about issues raised by constituents.

 

The Member of Parliament for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan MP, commented:

Whilst Ukrainian families continue to flee Putin’s war, the government has dithered and delayed in offering a clear plan to support those in urgent need of sanctuary and protection.

 

“So far, we have seen piecemeal progress from Ministers to deliver this, but Labour’s plan would provide a quick, simple and secure route to safety for all who need it.

 

“In times of need, Britain has stepped up to support our European friends and allies where we can. This plan will do this once again. Minister must now stop dragging their heels and implement it now.”

Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“Families fleeing conflict in Ukraine need urgent help right now to reach safety and get support. We’ve all heard the harrowing stories from those driven out by the Russian bombardment who are now desperate to reach friends or family here who can support them. The UK must not turn those Ukrainians away. 

 

“People need a simple and safe route to sanctuary right now. Most want to stay close to home, especially those who have had to leave relatives behind, but the UK must play its part to help people seeking support and safety in our country too.

“Despite Government announcements, desperate families are finding that the rhetoric doesn’t match the reality. They cannot wait for the Home Secretary’s slow and piecemeal approach which just doesn’t match the urgency of this crisis. Ukrainians need help right now to reach safety.”