Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she has had with the Ukrainian government regarding the inclusion of unaccompanied Ukrainian minors in Phase 1 of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

We recognise the deeply troubling circumstances faced by all Ukrainians who are caught up in this conflict, including unaccompanied minors. Safeguarding and protection of these vulnerable children is paramount.

The routes and visa changes which we have announced so far follow extensive engagement with the Ukrainian Government to ensure they respond directly to their concerns. The Ukrainian Government stated to the UK Government in writing on 7^th March 2022 that: “any Ukrainian Child who is currently outside Ukraine may not be adopted or placed in the care of foreigners without the consent of Ukraine”. The current rules in relation to unaccompanied children and the Home for Ukraine Scheme therefore respect this position.

We will continue to work closely with the Ukrainian Government going forward as to how we can work together to support unaccompanied children displaced by the conflict.