Cleethorpes MP admits “delays and slip ups” in the Government’s handling of visas for those fleeing Ukraine

Ukrainians with a valid passport or ID card fleeing the conflict will now be able to complete UK visa applications online. They'll no longer have to go to application centres in Europe to be allowed into the country.

It’s as a scheme will be launched on Monday, which will allow British families to host Ukrainian refugees in their homes.

It's thought those offering accommodation will be expected to commit to a minimum of 6 months.

But, the Government has come under criticism for how long it took to create better options for those fleeing Ukraine, as well as the limits they go to.

The I-P-P-R think-tank says these new measures, still leaves "major gaps" in the UK's support for Ukrainian refugees.

MP for Cleethorpes, Martin Vickers says:

“It’s a horrendously complex situation and it has taken some time…but the honest truth is, it’s better to take a day extra and get a system that’s fit for purpose rather than one that crashes after hours.”

“We’ve got to make it as generous as possible. certainly in the short term, while people are fleeing for their lives.

“It is a mammoth task for governments across Europe"

"Yes there have been delays and slip ups....but I’m confident now that the system is as fit for purpose as it can be in such a short time.”

The MP for Cleethorpes also told us about a fault on the Government website, saying that the updates were “behind schedule”. It’s after a Ukrainian woman who now lives in Lincolnshire was under the impression from the official website that she was unable to bring her children over from the war-torn country, as she had only been living in the UK for a few years.

“The answer I gave the family was contrary to the website was saying. But we had confirmation after I raised it with the minister- that those children do qualify to come to the UK.”

More than 2.1 million people having fled Ukraine according to UN estimates.