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Pushing for Fairness for Ukrainian Families in Newbury

  • May 24
  • 2 min read

Since becoming MP, I’ve been contacted by many Ukrainian families living in Newbury and West Berkshire who are worried about what happens next. These families, the majority of whom have fled unimaginable violence, are now settled here, with children in local schools and adults working hard to contribute to our economy. But the clock is ticking on their current visa arrangements, and there’s still far too much uncertainty about their future.


This week I wrote to the Minister for Migration and Citizenship to push for improvements to the Homes for Ukraine visa scheme and other related routes. This follows a question I raised directly with the Prime Minister in Parliament last month and builds on conversations, meetings, and visits I have had with members of our local Ukrainian community.


While I welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of an 18-month extension, I know from speaking with families here in Newbury that this doesn’t go far enough. Employers are often reluctant to hire individuals without long-term security, and children who have finally found stability in school now face being uprooted mid-term, or even during exam season.


During my visit to Ukraine earlier this year, I was deeply moved by the strength and resilience of people there. I came back even more determined to ensure the UK offers more than just warm words, we must provide certainty, dignity, and proper support for those who have sought safety here.


I’ve asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss how we can make the visa scheme work better for families – including exploring options to tie visa lengths to school terms and improving opportunities for meaningful employment. I hope to have more news soon.


For many of the families I’ve spoken to, Newbury is not just a place of refuge, it’s become their home. It’s time our visa system reflected that.




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