FORMER MP Faisal Rashid and Labour Party members in Warrington South have urged the Government to “pull their finger out” in their response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
His views have been received gratefully by Warrington South Tory MP Andy Carter, who agrees everyone would like to see the Government move swiftly, but says it is important to take the right steps to bring onboard partners who can deliver the necessary care and support for refugees when they arrive.
Currently more than 2.5 million people – mainly women and children – have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its illegal invasion of the country on February 24, and the UK has so far issued just 3,000 visas, compared with about 1.5 million of the refugees have gone to Poland; 225,000 to Hungary; 176,000 to Slovakia and at least 120,000 in Germany and 105,000 to Moldova.
Mr Rashid, Chair of the Warrington South Constituency Labour Party, said: “The Government’s response has been pathetic. It is embarrassing and mean-spirited and I am sure the British people want the Government to do more and do it faster.
“Ireland has already taken in five-and-a-half-thousand refugees and the Irish government has said it could take up to 100,000.
“The Government was strongly criticised for its handling of the Afghan refugee crisis last year and does not seem to have learnt any lessons from that.”
However, Mr Rashid welcomed the Homes for Ukraine scheme announced by Housing Secretary Michael Gove over the weekend whereby households will receive £350 a month if they offer a room to a refugee.
“This sounds very good in theory but we need to see how it works out in practice because, so far, all the Government initiatives have fallen short of what was promised,” he added.
“It was also significant that the announcement was made by Michael Gove and not Priti Patel because the Home Secretary has once again completely failed to get a grip of the situation.
“I am not at all surprised that Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has called for her to be sacked.”
Mr Rashid hopes that people in Warrington who have spare rooms will consider inviting a Ukrainian refugee into their home and is confident that people in the town will continue to make generous donations to appeals for food and clothing.
He also called on the town’s two MPs – Conservative Andy Carter (Warrington South) and Labour’s Charlotte Nichols (Warrington North) – to maintain the pressure on the Government to do the right thing.
“We can see on our TV screens every night how the people of Ukraine are suffering because of this brutal and illegal war,” Mr Rashid added.
“I have no doubt that President Putin is guilty of war crimes. We need to offer the people of Ukraine every ounce of support we can in their hour of need. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine where will he invade next? Moldova? Poland? The Baltic states?
“Putin is a monster and we must do everything we can to show our outrage and condemnation.”
Warrington South MP Andy Carter responded: “I’m grateful for Mr Rashid’s views, I think we all want to see the Government acting swiftly but it’s also important they take the right steps and bring on board partners who can deliver the necessary care and support for refugees when they arrive.
“The UK is absolutely steadfast in supporting Ukraine via the supply of military equipment, humanitarian aid, and ensuring those fleeing the war as refugees with families in the UK are able to come to the safety of our country. Indeed, the UK Government’s Ukraine Family Scheme is the first visa scheme in the world to launch since President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I’m pleased to also see we are going further, with a new Homes for Ukraine scheme being launched today. This will allow sponsors in the UK – who will receive £350 a month in support – provide homes or spare rooms for refugees for a minimum stay of six months. Local Authorities will also receive funding to help with schooling and provision of local services.
Many local people have expressed an interest in participating in this scheme, I know Warrington Council are also preparing to play their part too.”
