Councils are ‘ready and able’ for Ukraine families...
The Moorlands pledges help to those suffering the effects of war
AS war continues in Ukraine and people across the UK register for the Homes for Ukraine scheme to help refugees, a council has pledged the support of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
In a joint letter to the Government, Staffordshire County Council and all eight district and borough councils said they stand ‘ready and able’ to welcome families fleeing the Russian invasion.
Phase one of the Homes for Ukraine scheme has now opened for visa applications for those wishing to travel to the UK and who have named people willing to sponsor them.
Councillor Sybil Ralphs, (pictured), leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “Every day we hear news of further aggression and listen to Ukrainian people tell their stories and none of us can fail to be moved by their experiences.
“Here in the Moorlands we have a long tradition of reaching out to help people suffering the effects of war and, once again, we’re opening our arms and our hearts to provide a place of safety and refuge for people forced to leave their country.
“That’swhyiaddedmyname, along with that of all other council leaders from across Staffordshire, in writing to the Government to say that we stand ready, willing and able to welcome people who have no other choice than to leave Ukraine to escape the daily reality of life there at the moment.
“I know they can expect understanding and compassion from the Moorlands and the wider region.”
Leader of Staffordshire County Council Alan White said: “We have all been horrified by the events which have unfolded in Ukraine and as a county stand with those affected. As a county council and as a county we have a proud history of helping those who have had no choice but to flee war or persecution, having recently welcomed almost 200 men, women and child evacuees from Afghanistan and are supporting many of the children in Staffordshire schools as the families try to rebuild new lives here in the UK.
“The latest situation in Ukraine is no different. We stand ready to offer Ukrainian refugees a warm welcome to our county should our help be needed, and are urging the government to clear any barriers so we can help those who desperately need it.”
There’s more information about the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme at www.homesforukraine. campaign.gov.uk
Here in the Moorlands we have a long tradition of reaching out to help people suffering
Councillor Sybil Ralphs