The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ukraine refugees’ ship stay extended
Ukrainian refugees will spend a further five months on a ship which has been accommodating them since June this year, the Scottish Government confirmed yesterday.
The MS Victoria, which is docked in Leith, Edinburgh, will continue to provide “safe accommodation for displaced people” until June 2023, with the option to extend.
The ship is accommodating around 1,275 refugees including families and children.
But Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex ColeHamilton accused the Scottish Government of “quietly” extending the contract, according to reports last night.
Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “This isn’t a new life, it’s a new limbo. Ukrainian refugees deserve a longterm solution.
“I spoke to aid workers, working in Lviv, connecting Ukrainian refugees fleeing to Scotland with homes and routes out of Ukraine, who have described the Scottish Government as being humiliatingly underprepared.
“They wanted the kudos of throwing open their doors but they did none of the groundwork.
“I don’t think when these Ukrainians are fleeing unimaginable atrocities at the hands of the Russians (that) they dreamed about a very crowded passenger ship.”
Appropriate long-term accommodation is yet to be identified.
Neil Gray, minister with special responsibility for refugees from Ukraine, said: “We do not want people to spend any longer than is absolutely necessary in temporary welcome accommodation.
“However, we know from speaking to those on board the MS Victoria that it is a safe environment that has built a powerful sense of community.
“We’ve extended the contract with the MS Victoria to continue to safely accommodate arrivals from Ukraine.
“Work continues to match people in temporary accommodation with hosts and matching teams are operating on board.
“Across Scotland, work is under way to increase the availability of suitable and sustainable longer-term accommodation.
“The Scottish Government continues to work closely with local authority partners to increase longer-term housing opportunities for displaced people across Scotland.
“We have provided up to £50 million of funding for local authorities and registered social landlords to bring void properties back into use and increase the available housing supply.
“This includes the recent allocation of more than £6 million from the Ukraine Longer Term Resettlement Fund to Aberdeen City Council to bring around 500 void properties back into use.”
The Scottish Government has urged members of the public to volunteer as hosts for refugees from Ukraine who are currently living in short-term accommodation.
Mr Gray added: “We would encourage anyone considering becoming a host to come forward and provide a warm welcome.
“In recognition of this commitment, hosts can receive thank you payments for up to 12 months.
“I’m extremely grateful to people who are already hosting, as well as those who have already put their details forward and are still waiting to be matched.
“I’m proud of the warm welcome the people of Scotland have given to those fleeing the war and the support we are providing to so many thousands of people.”
More than 21,500 people with a Scottish sponsor have arrived in the country since the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, representing 20% of all UK arrivals.
All options are also being explored with the MS Ambition, which is currently docked in Glasgow and has been chartered for use until February 2023.