LONDON, 27 Feb. (PAD/EP) –
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday the country would “of course” take in Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and pledged to help those leaving the country “in fear for their lives”.
Mr Johnson spoke at a press conference after the opposition accused him of not welcoming refugees to the country and of not easing visa restrictions for people seeking refuge in the Kingdom United, which Labor has called “immoral”.
But Home Secretary Priti Patel hit back, accusing the opposition of “appalling disinformation” and saying the claims were “simply untrue”.
Asked why the UK is not taking in refugees from other countries, Mr Johnson said that “of course” the UK will take in refugees. “This country has played a historic and proud role in welcoming refugees from all conflicts,” he said.
“If you think about what we did in Afghanistan, for example, the UK was way ahead,” said Johnson, who also said he was “aware” of “fake news” circulating on the internet.
“The UK is way ahead in its willingness to help refugees (…) We have sent 1,000 troops (to border countries), to be ready to help with the influx and, of course, we will help refugees. people fleeing in fear for their lives,” Johnson said.
A government spokesperson also explained that the UK’s “priority” is to support British citizens and their dependents living in Ukraine who wish to leave the country.
“We work around the clock to process visa applications and we process many applications within hours,” the spokesperson said.
Asylum application fees have been temporarily waived for those who can enter through family pathways, while those who do not meet the conditions are only allowed to enter for 12 months, the DPA agency said.
In the meantime, the main UK visa application center in Kyiv has been closed. The center in Lviv – in the west of the country – is the only one still open to family members of British citizens in Ukraine.
Consular staff from Kyiv have been “moved” to centers in other neighboring countries, such as Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary, to help those who have managed to cross the border.
“Ukrainian citizens can apply for visas at these centers and we have announced concessions for Ukrainians who are currently in the UK to extend or change their visas,” the spokesperson said.