Member

We recognise the importance of providing clarity and reassurance to Ukrainians living in the UK under the Ukrainian visa schemes. This is why the Home Secretary recently announced that the Ukraine permission extension scheme will be extended to offer those eligible a further period of permission of 24 months. However, the Government have been clear from the outset that these schemes are temporary and do not provide a direct route to settlement. They reflect a generous and meaningful commitment to support those displaced by the conflict. We have heard comment, which I heartily endorse, about the very moving commitments made by the entire British nation to support the displaced people of Ukraine, extending to taking them into their own homes. However, we also respect the Ukrainian Government’s strong desire for its citizens to return home and contribute to the country’s future recovery. This amendment would mean the UK Government rowing back on that long-standing position, which we believe would be ultimately to the detriment of Ukraine as a country—which will need its people back to rebuild.