This is undoubtedly one of the darkest periods in modern times. The developments in Ukraine are devastating, and I am appalled by Putin's unprovoked attack.
In both Westminster, and across the constituency, everyone I speak to has Ukraine in their hearts and minds. And having been at last week’s Prime Minister’s Question time, when the whole chamber rightly gave a standing ovation to Ukraine’s Ambassador, I cannot describe how moving the unity was.
While the military strategy and determination of the Ukrainians has been awe inspiring, conflict is as much about those on the side lines as those on the frontline.
Over the last week I have been working closely with families across Sevenoaks and Swanley who still have family members in Ukraine and have been pushing hard in Westminster for safe refugee routes and the extension.
As we saw during the peak of Covid, adversity in the world brings out the very best in British people. And I am immensely proud that people from all over Sevenoaks have been donating/collecting items to be sent to Ukraine. Stonepitts Farm recently put out a plea for goods - and were so overwhelmed with the generosity that they had to stop collections. I have been in touch with them to offer any assistance I can to help – and my huge thanks go to Dan Clews and his family, Kate Edmondson, Sebastian Pennells and The Bootleg Altruist for all their hard work.
For those of you who still wish to get involved, the best and most effective way to help is to make financial donations. The leading 15 UK aid charities are currently operating as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and are able to respond on a daily basis both for the particular needs at the time – and in the particular areas where help is most needed. https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal. In the first four days over £100m was raised– including £25m of match-funding by the Government.
Locally, I am also currently exploring how we can also play our part in the Humanitarian Visa routes and look forward to being able to share an update with you all once more details are available.
As well as individual cases, I have been raising in Parliament the issue of sexual violence in conflict. In November last year, the UK, alongside its allies, issued a strong statement that the use of sexual violence as a weapon in conflict is a red line akin to the use of chemical weapons. At this time of greatest need the same strong message must now be sent to Russia. I asked the Prime Minister in the House of Commons about this, and he could not have been clearer: sexual violence in conflict will not be tolerated. And those who are found to have committed it will be punished.
This is a truly awful situation, one I am sure none of us expected to see on mainland Europe. By making donations, volunteering to raise funds, or helping Ukrainian people as they start arriving in the UK, we can all play our part in providing the support they deserve.
