Homes for Ukraine: Only 1,200 refugees allowed into the UK

Responding to the first Home Office figures on arrivals of Ukrainian refugees to the UK, which reveal that just 1,200 people - less than 3% of those who've applied - have arrived under the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP said "Tens of thousands of British families have offered to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees, but the Government is squandering their amazing generosity with needless bureaucracy and delays.

"It is appalling that such a tiny number of refugees have been allowed into the UK, more than a month after the Home Secretary announced this scheme. This is a humanitarian emergency, but Priti Patel is putting paperwork before people.

"The Government must match the compassion shown by the British public and allow Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK now, without first having to apply for a visa."

Newnham Liberal Democrat Councillor Jake Sampson, who has previously asked questions to Full Council on both the Afghanistan and Ukraine refugee crises, said "When I read the statistics this morning I was shocked. Having spoken to residents across the Borough about Ukraine I heard how eager they are to help in any way they can.

"We have had hundreds of people apply for this scheme in Bedford alone and the government are not allowing them to help because of needless paperwork delays. These people are desperately fleeing for their lives, we should be making their journey as easy as possible. The government must sort this out."