Hundreds of people have written to me and called my office about the invasion of Ukraine, asking what they can do to help and what I am doing.

I am heartened by the offers of help from people in Bristol and around the world. While this crisis is exposing the worst excesses of the cruel Russian dictatorship, we are also seeing the best side of international cooperation and compassion in response.

Give money: Yesterday the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) started taking financial donations to assist with the humanitarian crisis. You can donate here.

Give supplies: From Bristol with Love is a local charity that is collecting items for refugees in Romania. They are currently looking for new blankets, winter clothes and medication. For more details you can check out their Facebook page or get in touch with razvan.constantinescu@bristollovetrust.uk. You can find a list of other places collecting donations here.

Give sanctuary: If you have offered space for refugees, please keep an eye on my website and www.gov.uk where details of the new scheme for community sponsorship will shortly be published.

At times like this, I am so proud of Bristol’s welcoming, internationalist attitude and I know our city will do everything possible to send help and welcome refugees.