Councils want to help Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion

The county's councils say they want to help refugees fleeing the invasion of Ukraine.

People walk in a line after disembarking from a Ukrainian train at the station in Przemysl, Poland. More than 1 million people have fled Ukraine following Russia's invasion in the swiftest refugee exodus in this century, the United Nations said on Thursday. Photo: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

Both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Council have said they want to "support" those escaping the violence caused by the Russian invasion.

More than 600,000 people are now believed to have fled Ukraine with the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, saying the country could welcome up to 200,000 refugees.

The leaders of both the county's councils have said they are in talks with the Home Office to get more information about plans to help.

In a joint statement the leader of Shropshire Council, Lezley Picton, and its cabinet member for adult social care and public health, Simon Jones, said the authority's experience looking after Afghan and Syrian refugees would help with supporting any Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.

They said: "Shropshire Council has been watching the events in Ukraine with horror and bewilderment. We are keen to support those fleeing the awful events that are unfolding, and have received significant requests for information and support both regarding donations and the rehousing of refugees.

"We will, when able, use our extensive knowledge and experience in working with and resettling Syrian and Afghan families to also support those families and individuals fleeing Ukraine.

"Shropshire Council can confirm that we are still waiting on further information following the Home Secretary’s statement on humanitarian support yesterday, and will continue to work closely with the Home Office and the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership to understand the offer being made by the Government and how we can assist."

Meanwhile Councillor Shaun Davies Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council said they would "extend the Telford hand of friendship," to those fleeing the violence.

He said: “We have been watching the dreadful events in Ukraine with absolute dismay. Our hearts go out to the Ukrainian people whose lives have been destroyed.

“We will work with the Home Office to support individuals and families who are escaping their homeland and extend the Telford hand of friendship.”