I fully support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and I condemn President Putin’s unprovoked and unjustifiable attack. These actions are a flagrant breach of international law and will have tragic and horrendous consequences. I know people in this country will be feeling worried and uncertain, and I know that Ukrainians and Russians here in the UK will be worrying for friends and family back home.
My team is on hand to assist anyone in Stockton North who might be seeking to help family members – however the advice is to follow the appropriate guidance (below) in the first instance:
Information for UK Nationals in Ukraine
- The latest Foreign Office Travel advice is here
- As you may have seen, the British Embassy office in Kyiv has temporarily relocate and Embassy staff are operating from the British Embassy office in Lviv. British nationals who remain in Ukraine and require assistance should call +380 44 490 3660 or +44 (0)1908 516666.
Information for Ukraine Nationals in UK
- A Ukraine national in the UK seeking advice about their current leave in the UK, should call +44 (0) 300 3032785 for assistance selecting option two. Lines are open Monday – Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:45pm, Fridays (excluding bank holidays), 9am to 4:30pm.
Information for Ukraine Nationals NOT in the UK
- The Home Office has established a dedicated helpline to support Ukraine nationals make an application. If you are a Ukraine national you should call +44 (0) 300 3032785 selecting option one for assistance before applying. Lines are open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday – Sunday 9am-5.30pm.
- The Home Office has agreed to temporarily waive the application fee for immediate family members, such as a spouse/unmarried partner/civil partner, child under the age of 18 of a British national or parent of a British national child under the age of 18, an adult relative who normally lives with a British national due to a medical condition, normally living in Ukraine who applies under the Family Migration route.
- It has also agreed that where elements of the eligibility criteria under the Family Migration route are not met we can consider an alternative grant of leave. These applications are being prioritised and we would encourage those eligible to apply. More details can be found here
- Further Home Office information is available on the Home Office in the media (blog.gov.uk) pages.
How to Help – Donations and Drop-off Points
People are naturally moved by the attack on Ukraine and the plight of Ukrainians caught up in Putin’s unjustifiable actions. Locally there are a number of initiatives to donate items that will be taken to central locations for travel to Ukraine.
- A van will be located outside the Legends Lounge between 11am and kick off at the Boro v Luton match on Saturday 5th March. It is important to note that those not attending the match are asked to arrive before 1pm with their donations to ensure access. More information on what can be donated here
- Billingham Town Council has arranged a donation point at Billingham Library – they ask you contact the Town Council on 01642 551171. Items for donation: towels, blankets, medical supplies, non-prescription drugs, toys, and toiletries.
