Guildford’s MP Issues Statement on Ukraine

Published on: 4 Mar, 2022
Updated on: 5 Mar, 2022

Ukrainian refugees – BBC

In a prepared statement, Guildford MP Angela Richardson has expressed “solidarity with the people of Ukraine” and support for the further easing of UK visa restrictions for Ukrainian refugees.

But she cautioned: “This is the most serious of situations and it is also very fast-moving. Issuing statements and snapshot comments on issues like this is not my style – decisions are being taken at the highest level with information that may not be available to many others.

Ms Richardson has signed a letter from the influential One Nation Caucus of centrist Conservatives recognising government support for Ukraine and calling on the UK to take its share of responsibility for refugees from the conflict.

The letter, submitted to the prime minister this week, calls for democracies to remain united in the face of invasion.

It encourages the continued supply of defensive military equipment and medical supplies to the embattled people of Ukraine – and support for countries such as Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, which are currently safe havens for people fleeing the conflict.

It goes on to say that announcements about UK visas for Ukrainians made by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Monday were only “the first step” and that more must be done to share responsibility for refugees with other European countries.

“We also hope our Ministers will seek a flexible and pragmatic approach to those Ukrainians wishing to seek temporary refuge in the UK until it is safe to return to their lives in their home country,” the letter says.

“The United Kingdom cannot flag or fail, our message must be clear: Ukrainian victims of war seeking refuge are welcome.”

Angela Richardson MP

Angela Richardson said: “The One Nation Caucus has expressed its support for current economic sanctions against Russia and help to Ukraine and its people during the current war – and it is a war – in the region.

“This is the most serious of situations and it is also very fast-moving. Issuing statements and snapshot comments on issues like this is not my style – decisions are being taken at the highest level with information that may not be available to many others.

“What I can say is that my signature on this letter demonstrates my solidarity with the people of Ukraine – and free people everywhere against modern-day conquest.

“I’m also really pleased that since I signed this letter, the government signalled on Tuesday that grandparents, adult children and siblings of those settled in the UK will now be able to come to the UK and be reunited with their families.

“In addition, Ukrainians with no ties to the UK will be able to come here through sponsored visas that we will support them to apply for. It is further progress by the government and I am pleased the government is listening and acting on this vital issue.”