Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Ukrainians who wish to seek asylum in the UK are required to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.

The safest route for people to leave Ukraine is via its neighbouring countries to the West. From the safety of these countries, those escaping the war can benefit from the additional support we have already announced.

Ukrainians can apply to reunite with UK-based family via the Ukrainian Family Scheme. For Ukrainians who do not have family ties with the UK, we have announced the Ukrainian Sponsorship Humanitarian Visa Offer. This programme will match Ukrainians with individuals, businesses, community organisations and Local Authorities who are willing and able to act as a sponsor.

These two routes ensure those fleeing war in the Ukraine have a safe and legal route to the UK.