It is fair to say that we all continue to be desperately saddened and immensely troubled by the constant pictures we are seeing on our television screens and are worried for all of those affected in Ukraine, including those displaced by the catastrophe that has been unfolding. We also think of all those who have lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones in this senseless, brutal conflict.
I continue to ensure that all views are heard by Ministers as our response develops to the unfolding situation and I think it was symbolic that the Prime Minister was invited to address the Ukrainian Parliament a couple of weeks ago - reflecting our country's world-leading, ongoing, support of the Ukrainian people, that President Zelensky has consistently recognised and highlighted.
Specifically on the issue of UK support for Ukrainian refugees, I know that this is something about which my constituents care deeply – with a large number of local people having got in touch with me in recent weeks, with some even generously offering to open their homes to those who have fled the country. I have been assisting with all constituency visa and sponsorship related cases - as a matter of absolute priority - and will continue to do so.
More broadly, I really do welcome the approach the Government is taking to mobilise successfully the many incredibly kind offers of support we are seeing, through our generous, uncapped, Ukraine Family Scheme and the Homes for Ukraine 'sponsorship' route. So far, over 100,000 visas have been issued to Ukrainians, with people arriving every day to join family members or those generously opening their homes to help. A few weeks ago, I made an update video talking about the various routes of support and the ways in which people can get involved to offer their aid in these troubling times, which you can find, here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=492174789232968&ref=sharing. The official gov.uk website page, where there is useful guidance and advice setting out how people can best practically help, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help.
Some of the stories that have been shared with me are incredibly heartwarming and I am so proud and appreciative of the response of local people here in Corby & East Northamptonshire - so typical of the decent, generous, big-hearted community that we are. I know we will continue to do all we can to support the Ukrainian people.