The Rachel Maclean MP column:
AT THE forefront of my mind, and I know this will be the same for constituents, is Putin’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
My thoughts are with the Ukrainian people as they resist the Russian dictator’s invasion against their independent and democratic country.
Over the past few months the UK has played a leading role in encouraging allies to impose the most severe package of sanctions Russia has ever faced.
We have already seen these hitting the Russia hard. We will hobble the Russian economy and undermine Putin’s regime.
Militarily, the UK has for a number of years worked to support Ukraine’s security and defence.
We’ve trained more than 22,000 members of their army, and, in the months prior to the invasion, provided 2,000 anti-armour missiles, which the Ukrainians are now putting to good use.
We’ve sent further military support to Ukraine since the invasion.
In terms of humanitarian support, the UK is sending an extra £80million in aid to Ukraine, bringing the total amount the UK has pledged this year to £220m.
As we can all see from our TV screens, Putin’s war in Ukraine is leaving families with desperate choices about their future.
The UK has a proud record of welcoming those fleeing conflict, and this will continue.
British nationals and any person settled in the UK can bring over immediate Ukrainian family members.
In addition we are establishing a Ukrainian Family Scheme so British nationals and people settled in the UK can bring a wider group of family members here. This scheme will be free.
We will also establish a humanitarian sponsorship pathway, which will open a route to the UK for Ukrainians who may not have family ties here but who are able to match with individuals, charities, businesses, and community groups.
My team and I stand ready to do anything we can to help. Please get in touch by emailing: [email protected].
Rachel Maclean MP
