Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently attended the “Big Hug Event” in Basildon which marked the anniversary of two years since the start of the Ukraine War and highlighted the strong links which have formed between the UK and Ukraine.
On 24 February, Stephen joined Ukrainian refugees and members of the Basildon community at Mother’s Kitchen in Felmores to mark the sombre anniversary of two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, whilst also highlighting how the local community continues to stand with Ukraine.
Mother’s Kitchen hosted the “Big Hug Event” with Basildon Borough Twinning Association. Attendees enjoyed biscuits iced with Ukrainian flags, as well as a range of Ukrainian cultural mementos.
Stephen Metcalfe said: “It was fantastic to see the support for Ukraine at Mother’s Kitchen last week and meet some of the Ukrainian refugees who have been welcomed in Basildon.
Ukraine is fighting for its sovereignty and I am proud that the UK has been at the forefront of support. Not only have we provided arms and training, ordinary people have opened their homes to welcome Ukrainian families who are fleeing utter devastation.
I hope that the strong links which have formed between the UK and Ukraine endure.”
The UK has led the way in global support for Ukraine since Putin’s invasion and, under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, some 330,000 Ukrainians have been rehomed in the UK, including in Basildon and wider Essex. Under Operation Interflex, the UK-led programme of training for Ukraine’s military, more than 34,000 Ukrainian personnel have also been trained in the UK since June 2022.
