Responding to Boris Johnson’s announcement that Ukrainian refugees can come to the UK without a visa if they already have family here, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “This move falls way short of what is needed and will not help the vast majority of those currently fleeing war in Ukraine.
“It is a woefully inadequate response to the terrible human tragedy we are seeing unfold.
“Boris Johnson needs to follow the lead of our European neighbours and set up a simple, rapid scheme to resettle Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
“Anything less would be a failure of moral leadership and leave thousands at risk.”
Meanwhile, after Home Office Minister Kevin Foster said that Ukrainians fleeing the war should apply for seasonal worker visas, Carmichael added: “Ukrainians are queuing for miles to escape Putin’s war machine. For the Home Office to tell them to apply for visas as if they are looking for work or going on a gap year is completely wrong.
“We should stand with all Ukrainians, not only those prepared to pick kale and cabbage.
“The UK must help lead a coordinated humanitarian response, including a simple, fast scheme to resettle Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
“Our country has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those fleeing war and persecution. We must not turn our backs on Ukrainians in their hour of need.”