The MSP for Stirling Evelyn Tweed has highlighted the situation facing Ukrainian Refugees and their host families as the Homes for Ukraine scheme approaches its initial six-month period.
During a debate in parliament on 8th September, the MSP for Stirling asked Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development Neil Gray what provisions there were for Ukrainians whose host families may not be able to continue hosting them beyond the initial 6 month period of the scheme, which began in March this year.
UK Government statistics show there were 127 Ukrainians arrivals into Stirling through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, as of the 13th September.
Evelyn Tweed, SNP MSP for Stirling, said; “The people of Ukraine fleeing unimaginable circumstances in their country were met with warm and open arms here in Scotland, and I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been supporting people in such hard circumstances over the last six month.
“Many of the host families will be continuing on with the Homes for Ukraine scheme, but there are of course other homes which cannot continue beyond six months because of various reasons including financial or personal circumstances. It’s therefore really important that we have absolute clarity on what lies ahead for Ukrainians who will be moving elsewhere, to make the transition and next steps for them as smooth as possible.
“I welcomed the minister’s response confirming that the Scottish Government are aware of the importance of this, and I join minister Neil Gray in urging the UK government to prioritise this as a matter of urgency. Both the Ukrainians refugees and the host families deserve absolute clarity on what lies ahead.
“Anyone who feels they are no longer able to extend their involvement with the Homes for Ukraine scheme should contact Stirling Council for more information and support, or my constituency office who will be more than happy to help.”