Russia’s appalling and brutal attack on Ukraine has seen the UK Government offer an unprecedented package of support for the Ukrainian people. Within a matter of days, migration rules were torn up. Ukrainians in Britain will be given visa extensions, those with a family connection will be able to come here, and those with no link will be able to get support and the right to work through sponsorship by charities and individuals. There is no upper limit on numbers. Hundreds of thousands are expected to take refuge in the UK and we will warmly welcome them. In the meantime, some sanctions have been applied and are having an impact. We cannot simply seize assets outside of the laws, but we are passing more legislation in Parliament this week to allow stronger sanctions against companies and individuals with links to the Putin regime. Understandably, the Ukrainian President is asking for NATO to intervene militarily and many people, seeing the footage of the destruction of cities and murder of innocent people, support this. Putting NATO troops or aircraft into Ukraine would precipitate a full-scale war, potentially involving nuclear missiles. However, we will continue to supply weapons and other aid to the Ukrainian army. We have also sent members of the armed forces to countries in the region which could be next in line for an attack. We stand with Ukraine and are offering not just words but sanctions, money, refuge, and military and humanitarian equipment.
A former member of my office staff and local community councillor has just returned home after travelling to the Polish-Ukrainian border to drop off medical supplies to help fleeing refugees. Hannah Jarvis, from Gilwern, is an army veteran working with the group Bridge to Unity. Last year, Bridge to Unity aided evacuation efforts in Afghanistan but has shifted its focus to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The charity has so far raised more than £24,000 for medical supplies including stretchers, trauma kits, sutures and dressings. Hannah tells me there are plans for more deliveries, depending on the needs on the ground and as long as there remains a requirement. The link for anyone wishing to donate is: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/matt-simmons-1
“Don’t criticise the ambulance service”, said a letter addressed to me in last week’s papers. I have nothing but the utmost respect for our doctors, nurses and paramedics. If I have criticism, it’s directed towards those in charge. I would not be doing my job as a representative of the Monmouth constituency if I turned a blind eye to patients spending 24 hours in the back of ambulances outside The Grange University Hospital because of a lack of bed space, or a heart attack victim who was told she had to wait two hours for an ambulance. I won’t stay silent on these issues.
*Published in the Monmouthshire Beacon on 9 March 2022 and the Abergavenny Chronicle on 10 March 2022*