Last week the world woke up to the horrific events unfolding in Ukraine. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has led to war returning to Europe after decades of peace.
This act of reckless aggression is not just an attack on Ukraine, but on democracy and freedom around the world and my thoughts and prayers are with the Ukrainian people at this terrible time.
The Kremlin’s indefensible actions in undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty have been condemned by the UK and our allies, NATO, and the EU.
The Prime Minister has made it clear that the UK will not stand back and watch the Russian invasion of a democratic country of 44 million entirely unprovoked and with no legal basis. Our Prime Minister and government have been taking a global lead in building a coalition of likeminded countries to stand united against the actions of the Russian leadership against an independent and sovereign country, whilst providing support to the government, military and people of Ukraine.
Boris Johnson is in regular contact with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to assure him of the UK’s full support and the UK has set out an unprecedented package of sanctions, which show Putin that there will be severe, long-lasting consequences for his inexcusable actions.
The UK, in partnership with our international allies, has hit Russia with a wave of sanctions, which so far have included: starving the country of access to finance; expanding measures to prevent key goods and technologies from being exported to Putin’s regime; sanctioning over 100 more individuals and entities, including major bank and major defence sector organisations; and banning the Russian airline Aeroflot from our skies.
We need to be clear that our fight is not with the Russian people. Many of whom have made clear that they oppose the actions of their government. We need to take steps that will have the maximum impact on Putin and those that keep him in power and this is what we are seeking to do in our targeted approach. Putin and Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov have been hit directly by an assets freeze as part of the UK’s punishing sanctions to degrade the Russian Federation’s economy and military infrastructure.
A further package of military support to Ukraine is also being provided – on top of the support we have already provided – and will include lethal aid in the form of defensive weapons, and non-lethal aid such as body armour and helmets.
The UK is also in talks with our allies to ensure we have a coordinated response to prevent Russia from further undermining European stability.
Many have written to express their concerns over the displacement of Ukrainian refugees as a result of this conflict. I am pleased that the Home Secretary has confirmed to the House that a new humanitarian route enabling up to an additional 100,000 Ukrainians with family connections in the UK seeking safety and sanctuary here is already in operation. Home Office staff are working around the clock to prioritise the processing of Ukrainian applications and various requirements such as salary threshold have already been lowered. Where family members of British nationals or those with settled status do not meet lowered entry criteria but pass security checks, the Government will be going even further by offering them discretionary leave outside of the rules for 12 months. So far UK officials have already assisted hundreds of British nationals and their families in Ukraine to flee the conflict and this vital work continues.
We are also: Opening a new visa application centre for those applying for family migration to the UK; allowing Ukrainians to also apply through a visa application centre in nearby countries including Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary; enabling existing Ukrainian nationals in the UK to switch to the family visa or points based immigration route, free of charge; extending temporary visas in some sectors so Ukrainians can stay in the UK until December 2022.
I understand that invasion of Ukraine has left many of us feeling helpless and wondering what we can do to help. I am in discussions with local Cornwall councillors over how we can arrange a joined up and practical way to donate items.
In the meantime, you can donate via The British Red Cross which has launched a emergency appeal to help.
While we have seen some of the darkest days in recent history, we have also witnessed some extraordinary acts of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people, and I remain determined to do all I can to ensure they receive the support necessary to defend their country at this critical time.
If I can be of any further assistance, my office is always available for any constituents needing help, advice or guidance. Please do get in touch if I can help – tel. 01726 829379, email – office@stevedouble.org.uk
