Dear Tom
Our all-members meeting of the Tonbridge and Malling Constituency Labour Party today (Sunday 6th March) agreed that I should write an open letter to you to express our concern at the restrictive approach taken by the British Government towards Ukrainian refugees. Unfortunately it is likely that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will lead to the largest number of people being displaced in Europe since the immediate aftermath of the Second World War and there are already reports that over one million people have been forced from their homes.
The United Kingdom, in contrast to virtually all other European states, and certainly uniquely amongst Europe’s wealthiest countries, is imposing extremely restrictive eligibility criteria for those wishing to enter our country. Shockingly it is being reported that only 50 visas have yet been issued to the approximately ten thousand Ukrainian citizens seeking entry to our country. It is probable that this situation reflects many years of cuts to front-line services which have left British officials unable to process visa requests quickly as well as overly restrictive criteria for determining eligibility.
We note that the European Union has agreed to allow all Ukrainian citizens free passage across borders and the opportunity to remain for up to three years without having to apply for asylum. We believe that the United Kingdom should mirror this scheme and ideally reach a formal agreement with the EU to ensure that we can play our part in assisting the victims of Putin’s aggression.
We would also urge you and the British Government to do all that is possible to assist those of non-European ancestry who have been caught up in the war in Ukraine. Nigerian students, Indian doctors and others who had been working or studying in Ukraine are reportedly being subject to verbal and physical abuse when trying to cross into neighbouring countries. Many of these men and women are Commonwealth citizens and the British Government needs to ensure that their welfare is protected.
Kind regards
Julian Wilson
On behalf of the Tonbridge and Malling Constituency Labour Party