2025: Week 28 - Ukraine, NHS and Recess
On Monday I secured a debate on the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Ukrainian Permission Extension Scheme.
As we all know, when Russia illegally invaded Ukraine in 2022, the UK Government rightly responded by setting up the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and offering sanctuary to Ukrainians away from the war zone.
Just under 270,000 visas have been issued to Ukrainian guests here in the UK, of which 2,399 are in Devon. The visas initially offered a 3 year duration, which has subsequently been extended for a further 18 months, meaning they are due to end August 2026. There is currently no end in sight to the war, which has left our Ukrainian guests feeling very uncertain about their futures. Having less than 12 months on their visas, which some are now facing, means they are unable to rent a home or get a job. They are also not able to apply for settled status, as the visa specifically excludes that.
The Ukrainians who are here have obtained jobs, sent their children to local schools, have integrated into their local communities and are getting on with life, whilst supporting each other. Not having the certainty of settled status, and having the spectre of return to a war zone hanging over them is no way to live a life.
Since being MP I have campaigned for this uncertainty to end, and on Monday I was successful in securing an extension to the scheme, despite being told prior to the debate that there was no scope to do so. Whilst exact details are yet to released, I am delighted that we have that assurance.
Also this week saw the start of strike action by Resident Doctors, they are asking for a pay uplift of 29%. Whilst I agree that doctors should be paid an appropriate wage commensurate with their training and experience, I don’t feel that a 29% increase is affordable or realistic. The NHS has suffered years of neglect under the previous Government, and patients who are waiting desperately for treatment will be disappointed with yet more strikes. We are calling on the Government to create and implement an NHS Strike Resilience Plan, which will protect patients. These strikes further highlight the perilous state of our NHS, from crumbling buildings, disillusioned staff and huge waiting lists. The Government must act now to future proof the NHS, it is a difficult thing to achieve but it must be a priority.
This week also saw the start of the summer recess, which will give me the opportunity to spend the next few weeks in the constituency. My diary is full of visits, meetings to discuss local issues, and I’m also going to be doing some “pop-up” surgeries at various places in the area, please do keep your eye out and stop for a chat if you see me! I hope you all enjoy the start of the summer holidays and I hope to catch up with as many of you as I can in the coming weeks.