How we in Batley and Spen can help the people of Ukraine

The consequences of Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine are heart-breaking to watch. I am grateful to all those who have contacted me to express their support or to call for tougher action by the UK government and others.

Details of the recently-announced scheme for anybody who is able to sponsor people escaping the war and provide accommodation locally are here:
https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/

I recently met constituents from Ukraine, Orysia Chymera, Christina Pichowicz and Roman Logush, and the stories they told me of the anguish of their families and their fears for their country were very emotional. The situation on the ground is changing hour by hour but it’s clear that while Ukrainians have shown incredible bravery in the past three weeks, they now face even greater dangers in the days ahead.

Putin’s attempts to strangle a free, democratic European nation are despicable. Indiscriminate attacks on civilians continue unabated and the death and serious injury inflicted on young children, the sick and the elderly in particular are unforgivable. They will literally never be forgiven. On this, I agree with the Prime Minister. Putin must fail and must be seen to fail.

Vladimir Putin has brought shame on his nation. Russia is rightly a pariah state and I applaud the decision by financial institutions, businesses, sporting bodies and so many others to cut their ties with the country. I am certain that the overwhelming majority of ordinary Russians, if they knew the truth of what is being done by their President, would be as horrified as we are. The Russian people are not our enemy. But the Kremlin needs to get the message that far from showing Russia’s strength, this illegal invasion is destroying Russia’s reputation and authority around the world.

Constituents concerned for their families can see the latest Home Office guidance here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-in-ukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk

The Home Office’s dedicated hotline is 0300 3032785

The community in Batley and Spen has responded generously to appeals for help from the people of Ukraine. The most effective way to help is to make a financial contribution and there are several ways of doing this.

The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched a Ukraine Appeal and individual charities supporting the people of Ukraine include:

Dean Clough Mills in Halifax are coordinating local collections of essential supplies for Ukraine, but please bear in mind that space on vehicles is limited and charities are stressing that financial contributions are the best way to help. There are more details here: https://www.facebook.com/deancloughmills/

This is being done in conjunction with the Halifax Ukrainian Club:

https://www.facebook.com/halifaxukrainianclub

The supplies most urgently required include:

Blankets, sleeping bags and camping equipment, first-aid kits, bandages, toiletries and tools for vehicle repairs. For now this doesn’t include clothes, shoes, toys or books as these are not essential and space on the vehicles going towards Ukraine is limited.

Further information is available through the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain

Thank you to everyone across Batley and Spen for your support and compassion for the people of Ukraine at this unbelievably traumatic time.

Kim