Over 1.3 million people are attempting to flee the country since Russia has invaded, says First Minister
WALES First Minister Mark Drakeford today said the UK Government needs to cut the red tape and do more to help those fleeing violence in Ukraine.
His full statement read:
UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, has come under scrutiny this week, after many have described her refugee policy as chaotic.
Ukrainian refugees arriving in Calais this week were faced with posters telling them to get their UK visas in Brussels or Paris.
The UK government controls immigration policy and has said it will only take refugees with family connections, or sponsorship by a third party.
But Drakeford has called on Westminster to do more for those attempting to flee Ukraine.
Here’s a reminder of what the Welsh Government has said so far regarding the crisis:
Today – Press conference with Jane Hutt, The Minister for Social Justice
At 12pm, Jane Hutt held a press briefing to provide an update about support for Ukraine.
She said: “Today I want to talk about what we can, and are doing in Wales, to support people who are fleeing their homes to seek sanctuary from the war.
“I repeat again that Wales stands in solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
“We’ve watched as tens of thousands of people have crossed into the neighbouring countries of Poland, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary.”
Just 300 visas have been issued so far: “I believe we can do more, just 300 visas have been issued so far.
“Today we learn of reports of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Calais only to be told they must travel to Paris or Brussels to apply for a UK visa.
“The UK Government must make it easier for refugees (who are mainly women and children) to be able to come to the UK, and to Wales.”
The best way to help: “The very clear advice we have had from the Disasters Emergency Committee and others working on the grounds is that the best way to help is by donating money, if you can.
“The £4m we have made available is going to the DEC appeal – this will make sure the funding can go straight to where it is needed most in Ukraine.”
Be prepared for higher prices: “The effects of this conflict will also be felt here too – in rising prices, putting more pressure on households already feeling the strain from the cost-of-living crisis.
“We must be prepared for further increases in fuel and food prices in the days and weeks ahead.”
March 7 – DEC Cymru confirm almost £6.5m has been raised across Wales to support people caught up in the Ukraine conflict
Yesterday, it was announced that £6.5 million had been pledged to the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian appeal.
The DEC brings together various UK charities who provide aid, such as: Save the Children, Oxfam and the British Red Cross.
This comes, as UK donations have reached over £100 million, with £25 million coming from the UK government.
A total of £4m of the money Wales has raised has come from a donation made by the Welsh Government.
March 4 – Updated actions to support Ukraine from Jane Hutt, Minister for Social Justice
On Friday last week, Jane Hutt released a statement:
“This week, we have set in train a wide range of support in response to the evolving humanitarian crisis.
“I want to thank officials, local authorities, the third sector, faith leaders, and the public for their rapid and robust response.
“They continue to reaffirm that Wales truly is a Nation of Sanctuary.
“We are exploring options to ensure support can be provided here in Wales when Ukrainian citizens begin to arrive. We will provide further updates in due course.
“A dedicated page on our website has been set up setting out how people can help and sources of support for people directly affected by the war in Ukraine: Ukraine: support for people affected | GOV.WALES.”
March 3 – How you can help statement
March 1 – Mark Drakeford – Wales Stands with Ukraine and will offer £4m to assist humanitarian effort.
It was announced at the start of this month that Wales would provide £4m of financial and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
- For regular updates regarding the crisis in Ukraine, and what this means for Wales, follow @cardiffiannews on Twitter.
