Statement on the Ukraine Crisis

I know constituents with family in Ukraine will be distressed at the escalating conflict following the invasion by Russia. I have made contact with the Ukrainian Association in Oldham, and will do the same with my neighbouring MP Debbie Abrahams with the Ukrainian churches in Coldhurst and Glodwick.

We have worked closely with the UK Government to press for harder sanctions to accompany humanitarian and military aide in what will be a difficult and testing time. We remain committed to working across political divisions, and we believe the toughest and swiftest sanctions must be put in place, and the UK must go further. We also support calls for international cooperation and coordination of sanctions including blocking Russian access to global financial markets, investments and the Swift payment system.

The Foreign Office advice for British nationals is as follows;

The British Embassy office in Kyiv has temporarily relocated. Embassy staff are operating from the British Embassy office in Lviv. The in-person consular services that British Embassy office in Lviv can provide are extremely limited. If you are in need of assistance to leave Ukraine, you should call +380 44 490 3660 or +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option for “consular services for British nationals.” You can also send an enquiry via the web contact form.

Russia’s military action in Ukraine will severely affect the British Government’s ability to provide consular assistance in Ukraine. British Nationals should not expect increased consular support or help with evacuating in these circumstances.

If you are an immediate family member* of a British National normally living in Ukraine and intend to apply for a visa under the Family Migration route, read the guidance on visas for immediate family members of British nationals normally living in Ukraine. You should call +44 (0) 300 3032785 for assistance before applying. Lines are open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-5.30pm.

*‘Immediate family member’ is defined as spouse/unmarried partner/ child under the age of 18/ parent if British National is child under 18/ adult dependant who normally resides with you due to a medical condition.