MP wants fast track for Ukraine students

THE town’s MP has called on the government to introduce a fast track for Ukrainian students and academics fleeing the war with Russia.

Tony Lloyd said the fast track would allow those who have been displaced by the war to continue their studies and carry out research.

The visa scheme would provide a temporary sanctuary for skilled people, all or most of whom will want to return to Ukraine to help rebuild Ukrainian civic institutions, politics, culture and economy.

It has also been supported by Universities UK, an organisation that represents 140 of the UK’S universities.

Mr Lloyd said: “It’s only sensible that we support the thousands of students and academics that have been disrupted and displaced by Russia’s illegal invasion and occupation of Ukraine.

“Higher education is one area in which the UK visa system can be expanded. Students studying core subjects such as engineering and medicine must be able to continue their studies, as their skills will be crucial in reconstructing Ukraine.

“Offering this opportunity with appropriate support in the UK’S higher education system is just one small, but important, step in realising our commitments to the Ukrainian people.”

Mr Lloyd joins 136 cross-party MPS and Peers in writing to the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, calling on the government to expand the £3 million offered through the ‘Researchers at Risk’ programme to support domestic institutions, and the Ukrainian students and academics brought into the U.K. through the fast-track visa route.

Other signatories include David Blunkett, the Labour peer and former education secretary; the leader of the Liberal Democrats, Ed Davey; and Tom Tugendhat, the Tory backbencher who chairs the foreign affairs committee.