By MP takes in Ukrainian refugees
A former cabinet minister has taken in a refugee family under the Government scheme aimed to help those fleeing the conflict.
He is thought to be the first MP to take in refugees through the Homes for Ukraine Government scheme.
The MP for Newark, Robert Jenrick has taken a family of three into their home, Maria, 40, Christina, 11, and Boden 15.
From the BBC Mr. Jenrick has said the families met in person at Stansted airport and found it “very emotional”.
“I think the family we are sponsoring were happy to be in a place of safety- like most Ukrainians who come under the scheme they are leaving behind husbands, fathers, relatives, and friends so there are mixed emotions”.
“The process was relatively slow to begin with but well worth the wait from our perspective”.
Reports say that 25,100 vias have been issued so far from around 55,600 visa applications.
Refugee minister Lord Harrington also issued an apology over the lack of government action, telling parliament that “not enough” visas had been issued.
Britain’s numbers are lower than those accepted in comparable European countries as the German government said it had accepted 300,000 Ukrainians.
“Germany is an EU country,” said Ms. Patel. “They don’t have visa checks, their borders are open.
“It’s not like for like. We are an independent third country, and we want to give people the status and security of coming to our country, along with the warm welcome.”
UK residents have two schemes to accept refugees: the family scheme and Homes for Ukraine. The latter allows the hosting of Ukrainian refugees who do not have family ties.
Mr. Jenrick said, “It’s a very tangible way to reach out and help another family”.
