Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith urged Boris Johnson to adopt a “more humane approach” to Ukrainian refugees at Prime Minister’s Questions today.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Smith, a Conservative, said to Mr Johnson:
“People across the country are genuinely concerned at our response on refugees, on the bureaucracy, on the tone of our response.
“He’s shown with vaccines that government change really comes from the very top. Please can I urge him to look again at resetting our policy and taking control of a more humane approach to those women and men fleeing from Ukraine.”
Mr Johnson replied that this government “have done more than any other to resettle vulnerable people since 2015”.
Mr Johnson responds to Mr Smith.
He added:
“I think there is a huge opportunity now for us to do even more and that’s why my friend, the Rt Hon Secretary of State for Levelling Up will be setting out a route by which the British people — not just the family reunion route which can run into the hundreds of thousands — but also a route by which everybody in this country can offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine.”
Mr Johnson said further details would be revealed “in the next few days”.
Just over a week ago Mr Smith urged the government to “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”.
Harrogate Conservative leader defends local response
Harrogate Borough Council leader Richard Cooper has accused the opposition Liberal Democrat leader Pat Marsh of appearing ignorant after she asked what steps the Tory-controlled council was taking to help the people of Ukraine.
Cllr Pat Marsh
Cllr Marsh asked in an email:
“What is being planned? Have we earmarked possible accommodation, have monies been allocated to help to feed, possibly clothe people?
“Please start some proactive actions now, the people of Harrogate district would support all efforts to help these desperate people fleeing a war zone, not of their making. We cannot just sit by and do nothing.”
Read more:
- Ripon MP Julian Smith urges UK to ‘rip up’ red tape and welcome Ukrainian refugees
- Harrogate council HQ ‘like the Mary Celeste’, says councillor
She also urged the council to lobby the UK government to grant more visas to Ukrainians.
Cllr Cooper’s response, seen by the Stray Ferret, says Cllr Marsh was “entirely wrong to allege that Harrogate Borough Council has sat by and done nothing”.
Cllr Richard Cooper
He added:
“For a start I have asked the council housing team to identify available properties so that we can react quickly to accommodation refugees as we did for Syrian and Afghan refugees.
“We have established contact with Jenny Travena, a former independent councillor, who is working with the Harrogate District of Sanctuary to coordinate our efforts when refugees arrive.
“We will take part in the government’s matching scheme to provide suitable accommodation with individuals and families fleeing the war when the final arrangements for it are announced.
“We have also determined that we have no contracts with Russian companies nor investments with them. We have cancelled performances at the Royal Hall from Russian linked companies and we have shown our solidarity with the people of Ukraine by hoisting their flag at the Civic Centre and the war memorial.
“I am concerned that your email gives an impression – granted that it appears to be from ignorance – that the borough council is taking no action whatsoever to prepare for Ukrainian refugees. This is entirely untrue. The action you have asked for is already being taken and I am rather surprised you didn’t know about it.”
