Moorlands ready to welcome Ukrainians fleeing war

Published on 18 March 2022

As war continues in Ukraine and people across the UK register for the Homes for Ukraine scheme to help refugees, the Leader of the Council has pledged the support of the Moorlands.

In a joint letter to the Government, Staffordshire County Council and all eight district and borough councils said they stand 'ready and able' to welcome families fleeing the aggression.

Phase one of the Homes for Ukraine scheme opened today (Friday 18 March) for visa applications for those wishing to travel to the UK and who have named people willing to sponsor them.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "Every day we hear news of further aggression and listen to Ukrainian people tell their stories and none of us can fail to be moved by their experiences.

"Here in the Moorlands we have a long tradition of reaching out to help people suffering the effects of war and, once again, we're opening our arms and our hearts to provide a place of safety and refuge for people forced to leave their country.

"That's why I added my name, along with that of all other Council Leaders from across Staffordshire, in writing to the Government to say that we stand ready, willing and able to welcome people who have no other choice than to leave Ukraine to escape the daily reality of life there at the moment.

"I know they can expect understanding and compassion from the Moorlands and the wider region."

There's more information about the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme at www.homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk