Situation in Ukraine

No 10

UPDATE: 26th March 2022

On the 24th March, The Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary met with NATO and G7 leaders to announce further support for Ukraine in their fight against Russia.

In his address to the Conference, the PM stated;

"Today, I have announced we in the UK will send an additional 6,000 missiles and provide £25 million in unrestricted funding for Ukraine’s armed forces, more than doubling the lethal aid we have provided to date.

"We are bolstering our support for the NATO countries on the frontline, sending a new deployment of UK troops to Bulgaria on top of the doubling our troops both in Poland and in Estonia.

"NATO and G7 leaders were also united today in our determination to continue turning the screws on the Kremlin’s war machine, including by weaning ourselves off Russian oil and gas and reshaping global energy security.

"The UK has already hit over 1,000 Russian individuals and entities in our toughest-ever sanctions, and the Foreign Secretary has announced 65 new sanctions against Russian banks, weapons manufacturers and oligarchs just this morning."

 

UPDATE: 15th March

The situation that we are witnessing playing out in Ukraine is terrible, heart-wrenching, and a decisive moment in World Politics that may define future generations. Many constituents are writing to me with increasing alarm and I fully share these concerns. I take the view that the Russian attack on Ukraine seems an unprovoked an anti-democratic act of aggression. Although I will look to update this page regularly, it should not be used as a source for live updates, given how fast-moving the situation is likely to be. With intense sadness, at the time of writing, I sense that it is more than likely that the Government will need to react accordingly to changing circumstances in Ukraine, and I ask that you keep up to date with the normal political channels where you get your news.

Useful Links

On my page:

 

My perspective about Ukraine

I am appalled about what is happening in Ukraine. The scenes playing out to us are nothing more than a human tragedy; a tragedy that I thought have been consigned to history, but now playing out in my lifetime. I am possibly of the final generation who had living grandparents who remembered the Second World War, and I benefited from their recollections about the dreadful impact of War. I live in hope that the Russian President may come to understand the futility of his actions seeking to intervene in a sovereign democratic state, but I support the UK Government’s laser-like focus to work with our international friends to ‘right the wrongs’ that we have seen since the end of February. Ignoring the destructive circumstances that we are all facing is not an option for us in the UK. Whilst I accept that this a grave moment in international geo-political history, I believe that the UK has the moral duty to respond to these horrific acts, which are not only an attack on democracy and freedom in Eastern Europe but the very principles of the UN Charter. 

 

Sanctions against Russia

You will be aware of several announcements from Government during the last couple of weeks and I have supported the UK Government’s work in this area in lockstep with allies.

 

Sanctions against Key Russian Figures 

I was pleased to note the UK Government’s announcement this week of a full asset freeze and travel ban on seven of Russia’s wealthiest and most influential oligarchs. Roman Abramovich is the figure that has captured most of the headlines to date, in part due to his links with Chelsea FC. His net worth is estimated to be £9.4 billion.

The other six figures are:

  • Oleg Deripaska, a net worth of an estimated £2 billion
  • Igor Sechin, Chief Executive of Rosneft. Russian state oil company
  • Andrey Kostin, Chairman of VTB Bank which is the second largest bank in Russia. His net worth is an estimated £379 million.
  • Alexei Miller, CEO of energy company Gazprom
  • Nikolai Tokarev, President of Rissia state owned pipeline company Transneft.
  • Dmitri Lebedev, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank Rossiya.

The UK Government’s other measures include: 

  • Freezing the assets of all Russian banks with immediate effect, including VTB, Russia’s second largest bank.
  • Preventing Russian companies from borrowing on the UK markets, effectively ending the ability of those companies closest to Putin to raise finance in the UK. 
  • Alongside the US, EU, Japan, and Canada, cutting Russia’s Central Bank off from UK markets.
  • Strengthening export controls against Russia; banning the export of a range of high-end and critical technical equipment and components in sectors including electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace.
  • Sanctioning President Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
  • Sanctioning over 100 companies and oligarchs at the heart of Putin’s regime, including the vast majority of the Russian defence sector. 
  • Sanctioning members of the Russian Duma and Federation Council.
  • Banning Aeroflot, and all other Russian commercial and private jets from UK airspace.
  • Denying access to UK ports to ships owned, controlled, charter of operated by anyone connected to Russia as well as any vessel registered in Russia or flying the Russian flag.
  • Imposing new restrictions to cut off wealthy Russians’ access to UK banks.
  • Excluding many of Russia's key banks from the SWIFT financial system (and pushing for a full ban).
  • Imposing sanctions on Belarus for its complicity in Putin's invasion.
  • Intensifying sanctions enforcement, with new powers for law enforcement and a specialised Kleptocracy unit to crack down on companies that breach sanctions.
  • Bringing forward measures from the Economic Crime Bill early strengthening Unexplained Wealth Orders and broaden their scope, cracking down on corrupt elites in the UK.

I also strongly welcome the establishment of the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime which will enable the Government to target corrupt actors and their enablers. This new tool will prevent those responsible from entering the UK or laundering assets here. These sanctions will help to ensure that the UK is not a safe haven for those involved in serious corruption, including those who profit from it.

I also welcome that the Government is bringing forward the Economic Crime Bill and measures to create a register of beneficial ownership for property. I will obviously be monitoring the Bill when it comes to the Chamber, to ensure that the rubric of the Bill has the effect that we are hoping for.

 

Other International Developments. March 2022

(4.3.2022) I have been pleased that the UK has led a group of 38 countries to make a state party referral enabling the Prosecutor to proceed straight to an investigation without the need for judicial approval. I am also advised that as a founder member of the International Criminal Court, the UK is willing to provide the necessary technical assistance to support successful convictions.

I am minded that any Russian leader or officer carrying out orders that amount to war crimes face ending up in the court dock and ultimately in prison, but I note that the critical task now is to preserve properly all evidence of war crimes.

Please visit the International Criminal Court website for further information: https://www.icc-cpi.int/

(11.3.2022) The UK Government announced that the UK will phase out the import of Russian oil and oil products by the end of this year. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-phase-out-russian-oil-imports. 

The Government will support businesses through a new Taskforce on Oil to support them to make use of this period in finding alternative supplies. The Prime Minister has also been clear that we must move away from the little dependence we have on Russian hydrocarbon. However, this must be done step by step working with our European partners. I welcome that the Prime Minister will announce an Energy Supply Strategy in due course which will address how the Government will meet the needs of the UK in the short, medium, and long term.

I also note a large amount of commentary about the UK gas market. The UK gas market is one of the most liquid and developed in the world and provides security through diversity of supply. Most of the gas supply to the UK comes from domestic production and imports from reliable suppliers like Norway. There are no gas pipelines directly linking the UK with Russia. Although we receive some Liquefied Natural Gas from Russia, we are in no way dependent – less than four per cent was sourced from Russia in 2020. While this is a small proportion of our supply, I know that the Government is exploring options to end this altogether.  I will monitor progress accordingly.

 

Ukraine, Immigration and Visas NEW UPDATE 11 March 2022

So much of the media coverage is understandably focuses on the desperate situation facing those fleeing Ukraine, and I am acutely troubled at the sight of families splitting away with women and children travelling into the unknown with little idea about their futures. I am heartened by the generosity of so many people in the UK and other countries to do what they can to help. I am also aware of important endeavour from bodies such as our local Councils in this field, and I will be speaking further with leaders as we move forward, but I also look to Government to do what they can in the face of this undoubted unfolding humanitarian tragedy.

Please visit the following weblink for rolling commentary and up to date information: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2022/02/25/home-office-action-on-ukraine/

The Home Secretary announced yet further support for Ukrainian refugees during her speech on Thursday 10 March 2022. This issue continues to develop but the key facts are:

  • The Ukraine Family Scheme support British Nationals and others settled in the UK to bring family to the UK. Essential security checks will need to take place but normal requirements for salary will be waived. Those joining family will be granted leave for three years. For further information, please visit the following weblink: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa.
  • The Humanitarian Sponsorship Pathway allows individuals, charities, businesses and community groups to support displaced Ukrainians. This gives the opportunity for the British public to offer tangible help themselves and please visit the following weblink for further details: www.gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine. My summary about the Homes for Ukraine Scheme is also  via this link
  • The Government has reviewed what other red tape can feasibly be removed and there has to be a balance between security and speed and so in short, changes have been put in place for Ukrainians with passports will be able to get permission to come to the UK fully online and will be able to give their biometrics once in Britain. This seems a sensible work around to me.
  • Owing to the security situation, Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Ukraine are currently closed. Applications can be made at a VAC in any country where Ukrainians are able to travel safely. VACs are currently operating throughout Europe including in Budapest (Hungary), Chisinau (Moldova), Warsaw (Poland), Bucharest (Romania), and Paris (France).
  • Extra Home Office staff are being deployed to Poland, Hungary and Moldova to assist the UK to process visas for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict. A new pop up Visa Application Centre in Rzeszor, Poland has been opened, whilst the combined total number of appointments in the region will increase to 6,000 from the w/c 14 March 2022. We heard on the 10 March from the Defence Minister, 100 Military personnel have also been drafted in to help the processing.
  • A new Refugees Minister has been appointed at DLUHC and the Home Office to coordinate and accelerate the UK’s support for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict.

I also understand Home Office set up a dedicated helpline on 0300 3032785 for anyone who is intending to apply under the Family Migration route to assist with making an application. This is operating on a 24/7 basis.

 

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

This important scheme allows people seeking sanctuary with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit. The key details are as follows:

  • The scheme will be uncapped, open to Ukrainian nationals and immediate family members of Ukrainian nationals.
  • Those arriving through the scheme can live and work in the UK for up to three years accessing benefits, healthcare, and other support.
  • Sponsors can be of any nationality, with any immigration status but with at least six months’ leave to remain within the UK.
  • In the first phase of the scheme, sponsors will need to have a named person who they wish to sponsor. The visa application route will go live on Friday 18 March.
  • The Government is asking sponsors to provide accommodation for a minimum of six months. The Government will be an optional ‘thank you’ payment of £350 per month to people for up to 12 months. The ‘thank you’ payment’ is limited to one payment per residential address.
  • Those arriving need to meet standard security checks. Those living in the sponsoring households will be subject to security checks and may be subject to safeguarding checks too.

I am also advised that the Government will be supporting local authorities with a substantial level of funding at a rate of £10,500 per person to local authorities, with an additional top-up for child education, to enable them to provide support to families to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into communities.

 

Disasters Emergency Committee

Please do consider donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. I have been pleased that the UK Government will match pound-for-pound the public’s first £20 million and look to increase over time. I am advised that at this time, it is worthwhile for funds to be raised then for donations to be made in kind.

Humanitarian Developments 

Many of us remain acutely disturbed by the plight of the Ukrainian refugees and I am pleased that the Government is playing a key role to provide finance and logistics. The following measures may be of interest:

  • The Government has allocated $100m (£75m) for the Ukrainian Government Budget bringing the total of UK aid to Ukraine to £395 million including £200 Million of humanitarian assistance.
  • To capture the needs on the ground, FCDO Humanitarian Field Teams are in Poland, Romania and Moldova. The UK Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Assessment Team is in Romania and Moldova to assess medical need.
  • At the time of writing the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal has reached over £100m with the Government matching £25m of the public’s donations. Thank you for everyone’s donations from Bosworth!
  • A Humanitarian Task Force of 1,000 soldiers is ready to support the humanitarian response in the region if needed.
  • The FCDO has funded and support the transport of medical supplies to the Government of Ukraine in response to a direct request for specific medical supplies alongside a request from the World Health Organisation.

 

The Government is strongly advising people looking to help to donate through trusted charities and aid organisations rather than donating goods, with cash being able to be transferred quickly to areas where needed. 

If you would still like to take forward a donation of goods you may wish to contact a charity or organising body based in the country where you intend to donate to establish what is needed and how to deliver it before you begin to collect goods.