Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock – Statement on Ukraine
For the sake of Ukraine, Russia and the world – Putin must fail.
At this difficult time my thoughts are with the brave people of Ukraine whilst they fight against the illegal invasion of their sovereign land.
I stand with the Prime Minister who has offered Ukraine the UK’s full support and it is assuring to see the global condemnation of these war crimes by Russia.
In the 21st Century it is almost unfathomable to think of let alone see a western nation seek to cause such suffering so needlessly to a neighbouring country.
Russia has taken a step back in their progression as a modern state with this deplorable act and Vladimir Putin should listen to the denouncement of this illegal war by his own people and the world and leave the sovereign land of Ukraine immediately.
The UK has placed unprecedented sanctions on Russia which are far reaching. All major Russian banks have had their assets frozen and have been excluded from the UK financial system; we have introduced asset freezes for 100 new individuals and businesses; Aeroflot has been banned from landing in the UK. Additionally, we will bring forward parts of the Economic Crime Bill before the Easter recess to address further sanctions.
Further, I am pleased that the EU finally came to an agreement after pressure from the UK to ban Russia from the international money transfer system SWIFT – the effect of this can already be seen on the Russian economy.
Ukrainian are also requesting that Russia is suspended from Interpol and the Government is in full support of this measure.
Visas are available for refugees from Ukraine fleeing the conflict and the Home Secretary has announced this week an additional package of measures which will assist Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK.
The Government created additional capacity in a variety of locations at pace, in anticipation of the invasion of Ukraine.
The family visa scheme has also been expanded to cover parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings, and this in addition to immediate family members of Ukrainians who have settled in the UK.
The Government has also created a new sponsorship scheme so that organisations and citizens can sponsor Ukrainians without family ties to come to the UK.
On the ground we have put in place a pop-up Visa Application Centre in Rzeszow in Poland, which has provided over 3,000 appointments per week and expected to increase to a total capacity of 6,000 appointments a week, starting this week.
Where family members of British nationals do not meet the usual eligibility criteria - but do pass all security checks – they will be given permission to enter the UK outside the usual rules for 12 months.
This means that British nationals and any person settled in the UK can bring over immediate Ukrainian family members. Through this policy alone, an additional 100,000 Ukrainians could be eligible to come to the UK and access work and public services.
As you can be seen, it is quite clear that the Government are doing everything within their power to assist those fleeing this horrific war.
It must be noted however that Russian troops are attempting to infiltrate and merge with Ukrainian forces. Given this, alongside Putin’s willingness to inflict violence on UK mainland, as we have seen in the past, it would not be appropriate to suspend any security or biometric checks.
It is still important that the Government continue to protect British people and therefore our approach to this unfolding crisis will continue to take into consideration national security.
We are also sending £220 million of emergency and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. This will provide vital medical supplies and assistance, widening economic and military support to bolster the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion.
With regard to NATO, the joint leaders issued a statement saying that, “Russia bears full responsibility for this conflict.
We stand in full solidarity with the democratically elected president, parliament and government of Ukraine and with the brave people of Ukraine who are now defending their homeland.
We will continue to provide political and practical support to Ukraine as it continues to defend itself and call on others to do the same”.
I still support all diplomatic routes to end the conflict, the Prime Minister has stated that imposing a no fly-zone over Ukraine would directly bring NATO forces into war with Russia.
Whilst no option should ever be off the table, the consequences of a potential nuclear war are clear. This conflict will lead to a rethink of our collective security against Russia, for the time being I believe we are taking the right approach in our sanctions against Russia, our diplomatic efforts to end the conflict as well as our humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
I am however, calling for further sanctions to be made against individuals closely linked to the Kremlin, who reside here in the UK. For instance, using Unexplained Wealth Orders, which can be done without any additional legislation will continue to demonstrate our support for the people of Ukraine. We must continue to push for the most stringent sanctions against everyone with an association with the Kremlin.
All that being said, this is a fast-moving conflict and therefore our response must be adaptable – we must continue to follow developments closely and I know that Government Ministers are working around the clock to ensure the UK is fully utilising every asset we have in assisting the people of Ukraine.
Disclaimer: All information is relevant and up to date as of publication. This information is subject to change and I will endeavour to update as the situation develops.
