DREW HENDRY: I urged foreign secretary to welcome refugees fleeing the horrific and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops
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It will not surprise readers that the most pressing issue at Westminster just now is the horrific and unwarranted invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops.
Vladimir Putin is a ruthless dictator who is now a war criminal – there can be no doubt of the lengths he will go to get what he wants.
It was a poignant moment in the House of Commons last week when the whole house rose to give the Ukrainian ambassador, Nadya Prystaiko, a lengthy standing ovation.
As a gesture, it grabbed the media’s attention and sent a signal to the watching world. It was, however, but a gesture. It cannot replace the urgent action needed to support Ukrainian families, no matter how heartfelt and profound.
Ukraine alone cannot halt the Putin-led Russian forces from killing more innocent people – they need meaningful support, and they need it now.
Like me, many of you have been frustrated at the lack of action on sanctions and sanctuary from Boris Johnson and his government.
While there has been some good work on sanctions, there is an awful lot of wriggle room left for Russian oligarchs with links to Putin and seemingly little ideas about what to do with any frozen or seized funds.
Loopholes, lasting weeks or months, are being left to allow bad actors to move their dirty money out of the UK, making a mockery of the sanctions process.
Why are the Tories allowing this? You’ll have to make your own mind up on that.
On sanctuary, we have seen the whole of Europe throw open their doors to fleeing refugees, suspending visa requirements for three years. Disgracefully, the UK government have thus far refused to mirror this action.
Instead, we have to listen to ministers suggest Ukrainians can apply for ‘fruit-picking’ visas and their backbench MPs wailing that their constituencies are ‘too full’ – telling us they have already ‘done their bit’.
On your behalf, I urged the foreign secretary to allow us to follow the actions of our European neighbours – she dismissed my appeal.
In contrast, our First Minister has pledged Scotland’s support for Ukrainian people seeking refuge and is urging the UK government to act.
From businesses and groups collecting donations to the various vigils and protests, here at home, people are doing what they can to show solidarity with Ukraine’s people. They are joined by our wonderful public organisations ready to support refugees seeking safety.
