Today I signed the Parliamentary Book of Solidarity which will be sent to the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament.
The Book of Solidarity will be sent to Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian Parliament to show support and solidarity from Members and House staff from the UK Parliament. The war in Ukraine is a complete act of aggression by Vladimir Putin against a free and sovereign nation. He has brought war to Europe, something we hoped we'd left in the past and it is heartbreaking to see the pain and suffering he is causing.
The government has announced a number of measures to support Ukraine against Putin's aggression. This includes:
- £220 million in humanitarian support to Ukraine and the region, including £25 million to match funding to the DEC appeal.
- The Ukrainian Family Visa Scheme has also been opened to allow applications to join family members or extend their stay in the UK. It is a free scheme to apply to and will allow the applicant to live, work, and study in the UK and access public funds. You can find out more information, including eligibility, here.
- Implementation of the most severe package of economic sanctions ever imposed on a major economy. The UK has brought in sanctions on President Putin, Sergey Lavrorv, 5 Russians banks and more than 300 individuals and entities at the heart of Putin's regime, and Belarus. All Russian companies are being isolated from accessing UK capital markets.
- Last week, the UK led the largest ever referral tot he International Criminal Court to ensure Putin will be held accountable for his war crimes.
There are also a number of ways you can help those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the conflict. This can be in the form of:
- Financial donations (the UK Government will match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound up to £25 million).
- Apply to be a sponsor.
- The government will be launching a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK. Details of the scheme will be uploaded here.
- The UNHCR is urgently asking for donations of shelter, relief items such as blankets, and specialist protection. You can find out more here.
- Save the Children is also launching an appeal in support of children and families in danger across the region. You can donate to help support the distribution of essential supplies, provide mental health support, and more here.
- British Red Cross is calling for donations to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal in support of humanitarian aid charities. You can read more here.
If you have family in Ukraine and would like my help, please do not hesitate to get in touch at elliot.colburn.mp@parliament.uk.
Slava Ukraini.