I, like so many others, have been appalled by events in recent weeks in Ukraine. It has however, been inspiring to see how, yet again, our City has pulled together to show support to those most in need.
It has today been reported that two million people have so far been displaced by war in the country, with fears this could considerably rise.
BirminghamWorld has put together a article with a number of ways you can help out: https://www.birminghamworld.uk/news/where-in-birmingham-can-i-donate-clothes-to-ukraine-how-to-help-refugees-with-donations-and-volunteering-3591888 which includes;
- Donating clothes to Bearded Broz in Smethwick &
- A drop off point for goods at The Hive in Moseley
For those who can, you can donate to the The Disaster Emergency Committee, a coalition of 15 leading UK aid charities, Ukraine appeal here: https://www.dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
The Refugee Council has said that people living in the UK can volunteer with its organisation to support refugees that arrive in the UK: https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/information/information-on-ukraine/
On Monday the 14th of March, the Government finally announced it’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which will see people displaced by the ongoing war matched with a home here in the UK. The most up to date information on the scheme can be found here: Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) For local residents who do register their interest, please keep me informed of progress which I am keen to feed back to relevant Government ministers.
I will continue to press the Government to do more. I recently wrote in the Birmingham Mail that we must stop trading with all Russian banks, close our airspace, block all investment and freeze their assets. I have also asked the Home Secretary what progress has been made on the implementation of the humanitarian community sponsorship route for Ukrainians with no ties to the UK.
I shall also keep residents updated with the best ways they can get involved to help out.
Published by