Norfolk MP signs up to the Ukrainian refugee scheme
Duncan Baker will be hosting a family at his constituency home, saying it's the right thing to do and he's got the space
North Norfolk's MP has signed up to the Ukrainian refugee scheme.
Duncan Baker will be hosting a family at his constituency home, saying it's the right thing to do and he's got the space: "I'm a local person and grew up here.
"There's been a huge outpouring of support for people fleeing from Ukraine. I don't have a big house but my wife and I are able to help in some small way and very much hope that we can play our role to help somebody".
The 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme came into effect on Monday. It allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to offer a room or home rent-free to Ukrainians escaping the war, whether they have family ties to the country, or not.
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson confirmed yesterday that over a 100,000 people had signed up the scheme, so far.
But Mr Baker understands that not everyone is in the same position as him: "This is a huge ask for so many people and not everyone can do it.
"But, I'm very lucky that I've got a wife who works from home and we've got a spare room. We will be able to help in a small way.
"People who are going to be coming are going to be extremely traumatised as well as emotionally and mentally scared. So, it's going to be a big ask for all families to do this".
He concluded by telling us that local people are already rising to the challenge and he's confident they will continue to do so: "I've already had conversations with the Chief Executive of Norfolk County Council last night regarding the plans they are putting in place.
"People who come here will be able to work, they will have access to all the normal services that we have, children will need to go to school for example.
"We will put those provisions in place and we will rise to the challenge and make sure these people get looked after in the spirit and the way we would expect.
"We've been overwhelmed by responses and we've written back to everyone who has shown interest in this scheme by pointing them towards the Government website. So, we will find in the next week or so that this is really going to take off and I think this is one of those organic processes that will really start to show the British people working together and standing up.