PERSHORE’s MP Harriett Baldwin has supported the efforts of the Government which has acted to support Ukraine and its people in the face of an illegal invasion of their country.
Despite heavy criticism over the way the Home Office has handled issuing visas for Ukrainians who want to join relatives in the UK, Mrs Baldwin has been working with the Home Office raising cases of families who need assistance.
Unlike the European Union – which is allowing Ukrainians three-year residency without a visa – the UK has retained controls on entry.
Britain has granted family visas to about 500 Ukrainian refugees so far, up from a paltry 50 on Sunday (March 6).
However Calais authorities said almost 300 Ukrainian refugees have been turned back at the French port by the UK Border Force, while hundreds were stuck trying to complete paperwork for visas.
Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Baldwin urged other people who require help to get in touch
“I urge anyone in West Worcestershire who has family members who have successfully fled Ukraine and who needs assistance to urgently contact my office,” she said.
“Those still there need to go West if they can. I am already working with the Home Office on a number of cases but I am keen to share the message that there is now a dedicated team in Parliament assisting this effort.”
She also urged people to show their support by donating to the international Disasters Emergency Committee, which has already raised £100million with an additional £25 million matched by the Government.
The Ministry of Defence was one of the first to offer assistance to the Ukrainian people with military training and defensive armaments, £220million of humanitarian aid and £100million of Overseas Development Assistance.
“I have been proud to stand in support of the Ukraine Government and its people as it stands up to this tyrannical Russian military action and I’ve had meetings with fellow Parliamentarians from across the world as we co-ordinate a response to this invasion,” she said.
“I welcomed the initial steps to support the Ukraine military and we are now focussing on humanitarian assistance, helping people to get to a safe place.
“Of course, the best thing would be for Vladimir Putin and the Russian army to cease the hostilities and retreat.
“The global sanctions efforts have been unparalleled, and I hope that the Russian leadership will see how the international community is standing firm against this heinous aggression of a sovereign state,” Mrs Baldwin added.
