Many constituents have contacted local MP Andrew Jones asking how they can best support Ukraine and refugees.
Harrogate and District Community Action have issued advice which can be found at https://hadca.org.uk/news/supporting-ukraine. There is also advice from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) available at https://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2022/03/02/charities-civil-society-ukraine.
Mr Jones commented: “These guides are a great help for people who want to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine in a practical way.
“I know too that we are all deeply concerned about the horrific refugee situation and I have raised this with the Prime Minister in writing and in person. I welcome the extension of the package offered to refugees announced this week; it is a major step in the right direction.
“The Ukrainian Family Scheme is extended so that adult parents, grandparents, children over 18, siblings, and all of their immediate family members will be able to apply. All immigration fees are scrapped and those coming to this country under this scheme can stay for 12 months and be able to work or access public funds.
“Anyone going through the current process will have their application fee refunded and be considered using the new rules.
“There is also imminently going to be a new Ukrainian Sponsorship Humanitarian Visa Offer which will provide a route to the UK for Ukrainians who do not have family ties with the UK but who will instead be matched with individuals, businesses, community organisations, or councils willing and able to act as a sponsor.
“I know that our communities will open their arms as they did to those fleeing Syria and Afghanistan. Support for those fleeing persecution and war is part of the British DNA and anything less than the measures announced would have failed to live up to our ideals.”
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