Greg Smith MP update on Homes for Ukraine scheme across Buckingham constituency:
It has been heart-warming to see so many constituents sign up for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and start to hear stories and see photos of families arriving in the UK and Buckinghamshire in particular. It is right that as a country we should do everything possible to help Ukrainian people who have had flee their homeland and leave behind everything they know and love behind.
I understand that many want to open their homes to people fleeing Ukraine as quickly as possible and the outpouring of support has been amazing. However, it is important that the need to move quickly is balanced with vital security checks and ensuring that the scheme provides the best possible situation for Ukrainians coming to the UK. Many of those fleeing from Ukraine are vulnerable women and children: it is absolutely necessary for their welfare that thorough checks are carried out.
My whole team is working very hard alongside me, including on weekends and evenings, assisting Buckingham constituents with Ukrainian visa applications; this has involved daily in-person meetings with Home Office officials, lengthy phone calls and emails. The rate of visa application approvals is improving and I have been delighted that a number of applications for Buckingham constituents were completed this week. But I know many are still waiting to be progressed. I can assure you my team and I will continue to do everything in our power to support constituents with this process.
If you need help and support in this regard, we are here to help and please do get in touch. The length of time it takes can be frustrating and we feel that too, but there is always a reason for it and I will do everything possible to ensure the wait is as short as possible.
