Earlier this morning, I was on BBC Radio Stoke talking about the situation in Ukraine.
A constituent, Karl Stubbs, had family in Ukraine who fled to Poland. He had got in contact with my office, seeking assistance with the Ukraine Family Scheme, in order to get his parents in law over to the UK.
The Home Office have been granting visas and working at pace to process applications for the Ukraine Family Scheme. Those joining the Scheme will be granted leave for three years and will be able to work, study and access public funds. The Scheme is also free and does not include any salary or language requirements.
As of yesterday, over 20,000 visas have been issued through the family scheme. I know that the Home Office are under incredible pressure with this. However, my staff were able to work with them to help get Karl's relations the visas and documentation they needed.
I am very pleased that Karl and his parents in law, Nikolai and Galina, are now in the UK, safe and sound.
Furthermore, I warmly welcome the launch of the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme which will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety - including those with no family ties with the UK.
I am grateful to those people in Newcastle who have already expressed their interest in the scheme - you can find out more and register an interest here: https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/
As I have said before, I am appalled by the conduct of Putin’s attack on Ukraine. It is an unprovoked and anti-democratic act of aggression. I am proud that Britain is actively seeking to assist Ukraine in every aspect of this conflict.
