Hard as it is to believe, Russia’s war against Ukraine is only a month old.
In 28 dark days, the world has come together to decry Putin’s unprovoked aggression.
Britain has passed unprecedented sanctions.
A severe package - with now over 1,000 individuals and entities sanctioned - continue to deal a severe blow to the Russian economy, hobbling Russia’s military-industrial complex, and personally damaging Putin and his inner circle.
We are massively increasing tariffs on £900 million of Russian goods - including vodka – starving Putin’s regime of funds.
Our allies have done similar as we moved fast to turn up the heat on our coordinated non-lethal response.
While it is the case Britain and NATO are not directly engaging Russian forces, I find it very strange when some people say they’re disappointed in the UK response.
This year I am taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme which gives me first-hand exposure to the work of the British Army. Not long before the outbreak of war, we were at the Specialist Weapons School near Warminster seeing the very anti-tank technology we gave to the Ukrainians and trained their forces to use.
By all reports they have been hugely effective and we should be really proud of the role our country has played in bolstering the Ukrainian defence.
Every country is playing its’ part, and playing to its’ strengths, and the British Army is a true friend to Ukraine right now.
The other area, of course, is humanitarian and after a frustratingly slow start - which I was very vocal about - we’re now in a good place.
The Ukraine Family Scheme is working well and picking up pace.
Because of pressure from many of us on the backbenches, we are streamlining so that Ukrainians with passports can get permission to come here online, and undertake biometrics checks once they arrive, speeding up the process.
We have issued 10,200 visas in just over two weeks to reunite Ukrainians with family in the UK.
The accompanying “Homes for Ukraine” community sponsorship scheme - which is based on something in Canada - promises to show once again what a big and generous heart our country has.
This uncapped scheme allows sponsors in the UK – who will receive £350 a month as a thank you – to register their interest in providing homes or spare rooms for a minimum stay of six months to nominated Ukrainian families or individuals.
Well over 100,000 sponsors have signed up so far with our area in the top five areas across the whole country to do so.
When I was in Twyford last weekend, attending their fundraiser for Ukraine, people told me they were anxious to move to the next stage so I met with the new Minister for Refugees on Monday and posted online what I hope is a useful video chat with Lord Harrington.
We cover what happens next and how you match up with a family wanting to come here. RESET is one organisation Government is working with and you can find them at www.homesforukraine.org.uk
You can also access some helpful FAQ’s at www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions
And finally, something completely different. I have been our MP for twelve years.
In that time I have totally rejected negative campaigning and never produce such material which I believe demeans us all. And ultimately, I trust my constituents to know what’s right and see when they’re being played.
That will, no matter what is delivered into Winchester from outside our area, continue to be how I conduct myself as our local Member of Parliament.
Steve Brine MP
