The Russian attack on Ukraine is an act of aggression with tragic and devastating consequences, and I know that this is an issue which many Pendle residents care about deeply, with some even generously offering to open their home to those who have fled the country.
I applaud the Prime Minister’s leadership in supporting Ukraine, as well as sanctioning President Putin, leading oligarchs and other individuals who are driving this illegal and expansionist regime. We also have strengthened export controls against Russia by banning the export of critical equipment thereby limiting Russia’s military and economic development.
Since 2015 we have trained over 22,000 members of the Ukrainian army through the operation ORBITAL. In recent months the UK has provided Ukraine with over 3,615 new light anti-tank weapons along with a range of other defensive weapons and non-lethal aid.
Furthermore, the Economic Crime Act was passed on 15 March in under two weeks, which shows how eager the government is to expand sanction measures to supporting Ukraine.
Considering humanitarian financial support, our total aid to Ukraine amounts to £395 million, making us the largest humanitarian donor. I recognise that our support for refugees was not ready when it should have been. However, the schemes now in place seem to be working well. The Ukrainian Family Scheme allows Ukrainians with British family members and UK settled persons to stay in the UK for three years. During this time, they will be able to work, study and access public funds - the scheme does not include salary or language requirements and is free of charge.
Additionally, the government has launched a new scheme which allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties with the United Kingdom. The Homes for Ukraine scheme offer the opportunity for individual sponsors to provide homes or a spare room rent-free. Over the last few days I have been working with local residents who have family members living in Ukraine to help with their visa applications and also with some amazing local individuals and businesses who have rallied round to raise funds for the Ukrainian people.
I am confident that the UK Government, standing with our friends in Ukraine, will continue to do all we can to ensure that Putin fails.
