Thousands miss chance to flee war
The horrific Russian invasion of Ukraine has naturally been the focus of much of the business in Parliament.
Millions have fled their homes while hundreds of thousands are trapped. While I welcome the improved options for Ukrainian refugees trying to come to the UK, the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme still demands people apply for a visa which is almost impossible within Ukraine ,and the delay has meant that thousands may have missed their chance to leave as escape routes are cut off.
Given the circumstances, the UK should follow the EU and Republic of Ireland, waive visa requirements completely and provide sanctuary to those who need it. The Chancellor’s recent Spring Statement saw the UK Government again abandon those on the lowest incomes. In contrast to France, there was no action taken to limit soaring energy prices nor, after five years of the ‘benefit freeze’, are benefits being uplifted to keep pace with inflation which is rising at its fastest rate for 30 years. On top of this, the decision to increase National Insurance payments, rather than taxing ‘wealth’, will most affect employers and those in low-paid jobs, demonstrating that this millionaire Chancellor is completely out of touch with ordinary people.
Whilst certain events are outwith government control, they have an obligation to take mitigating action to support the most vulnerable.
We are now in the middle of a perfect storm after more than a decade of austerity, a calamitous Brexit driving up food prices and saddled with Tory Ministers who look after their wealthy cronies at the expense of everyone else.
I was delighted to visit Spirit Aerosystems to catch up with recent developments, including the energy-saving automation involved in making aircraft wing ‘spoilers’ from carbon fibre and resin rather than metal, and the industry-leading research being carried out at the new Aerospace Innovation Centre, where the use of virtual reality and 3D printing supports creative development solutions.
It is great to see them expanding their workforce once again and giving more apprentices the chance of a career in aerospace.