Up to date as of 10 am, 2/3/2022

The strength and bravery of the Ukrainian people is inspiring but I wish we lived in a world where we did not need civilians to stand up to a column of tanks. And in doing so, the Ukrainian people have shown the world the evil that Putin has unleashed.

While I support the government’s measures and sanctions against the Russian economy, I believe there is much more the UK government can do.

First, our support for NATO is unshakeable. We must move in lockstep with our NATO allies, and take steps to reinforce NATO members on the Eastern flank. It is right that Britain has provided support to Ukraine to defend itself – and this should continue.

Second, Russia’s attack on Ukraine must be met with the hardest possible sanctions: it must be isolated, its finances frozen, and its ability to function crippled. I welcome news that the UK, EU and US have agreed to disconnect some Russian banks from Swift, but there is much more the government can do to cut Putin’s rogue regime out of our financial system.

Third, the influence of corrupt Russian money must now be extricated from the UK. After pressure from Labour the government has now announced some measures and we will work with them to get these in place as soon as possible. We will keep pushing them to isolate Putin and his regime financially.

Fourthly, I fully support Labour calling on international sporting and cultural bodies to kick Russian teams out of international competitions. With UEFA moving the Champions League, and the cancellation of the F1 Russian Grand Prix, all other organisations hosting events in Russia this year should also cancel them.

And finally, we must help Ukrainians fleeing the war. I am also pushing the government to reconsider entry restrictions to the UK and their support for refugees fleeing Ukraine. The UK must urgently provide a simple sanctuary route to UK for all who need it.

I stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their brave resistance to this assault on their country by an unhinged tyrant. I will push our government to help more, and I will do whatever I can to help individuals directly in Bristol West.

I have added the government’s latest advice for British nationals as well as non-British family members below. If you would like assistance for your family and friends in Ukraine, please contact my office, where my specialised caseworkers will look at how we can help.

Important message: Please note that this is a rapidly changing situation, including the UK government guidance on visas. For the latest advice, check the links provided below.

UK government advice for British nationals in Ukraine (as of 2 March 2022, 10 am)

If you are a British national still in Ukraine, you should register your presence in Ukraine. This will allow us to provide the latest information. You should also continue to read and follow FCDO Travel Advice.

If you are in need of assistance to leave Ukraine, you should call +380 44 490 3660 or +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option for “consular services for British nationals.” You can also send an enquiry via the web contact form.

For more details, please visit the following link.

UK government advice for Non-British family members of British nationals in Ukraine (as of 2 March 2022, 10 am)

Family migration visas

You can apply for a family migration visa for free if you’re the family member of a British national who usually lives in Ukraine. Your British national family member must be one of the following:

• a spouse or civil partner
• an unmarried partner (you must have been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years)
• your parent if you are under the age of 18
• your child under the age of 18
• an adult relative you provide care for who lives with you due to a medical condition

For more details, please visit this link.