Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme

Fay Jones Excerpts

Monday 14th March 2022 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

The Home Secretary and I will do everything possible to improve the operation of the scheme, in line with the hon. Lady’s points.

[Fay Jones (Brecon and Radnorshire) (Con)]

I commend my right hon. Friend for the urgency he has brought to this issue, but may I press him to go faster still? Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees in my constituency has already done a phenomenal amount of work, and it stands ready to offer homes to people in Ukraine who do not know anyone in this country, as do my many tourism and hospitality businesses. Will he direct his officials to go even faster on phase 2 of the scheme so that we get this rolled out as quickly as possible?

[Michael Gove]

We absolutely will, and I recognise that individuals are already making offers. I had conversations with NGOs and others today, and they will be doing their very best for anyone who is willing to allow a match to be made. It is striking how charities and civil society organisations can be much faster and nimbler than even the best Government Department in bringing people together.