In his latest column the Radstock MP writes:

Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the House of Commons in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a sombre speech, Boris Johnson lambasted Vladimir Putin, whose expansionist ambitions and vast military intend to seize Ukraine and insert an illegal regime. The actions taken by Putin will not stand. In lieu of going in on the ground to help Ukraine, something that would risk creating even greater instability, Russia must be cut off in every way possible. This means ruinous economic sanctions, expulsion from major sports events, banning Russian aircraft from foreign fly zones, the freezing of individual assets and countering the "blizzard of lies" from the Kremlin. These are also applicable to Belarus, which is complicit in this decimation of sovereignty and the killing of innocent people. The Government is offering reassurance that British nationals and any person settled in the United Kingdom (UK) the ability to bring over their immediate Ukrainian family members. Through this extension alone, an additional 100,000 Ukrainians will be able to seek sanctuary in the UK with access to work and public services. Ukrainian nationals already in the UK will be able to switch into a points-based immigration route or a family visa route free of charge. The Government is, additionally, extending visas for temporary workers in some sectors who can now stay until at least December 2022 and as a nation we will always be generous to refugees. I am sure that those watching the horrors unfold agree with the Prime Minister who said: "Putin will stand condemned in the eyes of the world and of history" for the atrocities being committed in Ukraine. We support them to the end. Please do not hesitate to contact me: www.jacobreesmogg.com / [email protected] or go to:

https://www.gov.uk/world/ukraine