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27
Feb 2022
Last Updated: 27/02/2022
Ripon MP Julian Smith urges UK to 'rip up' red tape and welcome Ukrainian refugees
The Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon says the UK should make 'an immediate open, welcoming and warm hearted commitment of sanctuary to those who wish to leave Ukraine'.
Julian Smith, MP for Ripon and Skipton.
Ripon MP Julian Smith has called on the government to 'rip up the usual bureaucracy' and offer a 'welcoming and warm hearted commitment of sanctuary' to refugees from Ukraine.
An estimated 120,000 Ukraine citizens have already fled to seek refuge in neighbouring countries, including Poland, after Russia's invasion began on Thursday,
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the government will accept refugees from Ukraine but opposition MPs are concerned that the government's failure to relax visa regulations will slow down the process for those seeking safety in this country.
In a tweet yesterday, the former Conservative government whip and Northern Ireland Secretary, said:
"It's really important that the United Kingdom makes an immediate open, welcoming and warm hearted commitment of sanctuary to those who wish to leave Ukraine.
"Rip up the usual bureaucracy and let's just say they are welcome and we will make it as easy as possible to be here."
Read more:
- Nidderdale Community Welcome ready to help a refugee family
- Afghan refugees come to the Harrogate district
Mr Smith has 37,000 followers on Twitter and his message has 6,000 shares and 38,000 likes.
Sanctuary organisations in Harrogate and Ripon continue to re-settle refugee families from the war-torn countries of Syria and Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Nidderdale Community Welcome is preparing for the arrival of a refugee family.
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