THE UK Government has been urged to bring forward a serious humanitarian response plan following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The SNP are calling on the Tories to provide safe routes for those fleeing persecution and to withdraw the controversial Borders Bill that charities say would see those seeking asylum in the UK criminalised and marginalised.
It comes as concerns grow over the humanitarian impact of the crisis with the US estimating 5 million could be displaced, and Poland alone preparing to receive up to 1 million refugees.
The SNP pointed to Germany's interior minister who had been in touch with the Polish government and the European Commission to offer support. Meanwhile, Ireland has joined other EU countries in waiving visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals.
The Home Office has offered an extension to visas for Ukrainians already here, and has disapplied some rules to allow the family of UK nationals living in Ukraine to join them here.
READ MORE: UK fails to set up route for Ukrainian refugees despite thousands fleeing
But while welcoming these steps, the SNP said the Home Office must go much further, as well as abandoning its "anti-refugee" bill.
Commenting, the SNP's shadow home secretary Stuart McDonald said: "The events unfolding in Ukraine are shocking and we must be clear in our unwavering support for Ukraine.
"While the UK must work with the international community in imposing robust sanctions, it must also step up its humanitarian efforts to deal with the crisis.
"While the situation is fast-moving, we are clearly going to see a significant movement of refugees from Ukraine into neighbouring EU countries and beyond."
The MP urged the UK Government to bring forward a "serious humanitarian response" plan including safe legal routes to the UK.
He continued: "This must include much broader rights for Ukrainian nationals to join both British and Ukrainian family members who are already here in the UK – rather than expecting them to seek asylum in Poland, away from their families.
READ MORE: 'Not the time for half measures' FM says as 137 Ukrainians die after Russian strikes
“And it must also make clear we are willing and prepared to take Ukrainian refugees here as part of the Global Resettlement Scheme, if that is advised by UNHCR and requested by our European allies.
"Finally, it must also ditch its attack on the Refugee Convention through its toxic Nationality and Borders Bill which would criminalise and marginalise people fleeing war and prosecution – including Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s invasion.
"The Refugee Convention is as essential and as relevant as ever.”
A UK Government spokesperson said: “Our priority remains supporting British Nationals who are resident in Ukraine and their dependents who want to leave the country. We are working around the clock to process visa applications and are processing many applications in a matter of hours.
“The main Visa Application Centre in Kyiv has closed following the Russian Invasion but our centre in Lviv remains open for family members of British Nationals resident in Ukraine, and we have surged staff to the centres in nearby countries, including Poland, Moldova, Romania and Hungary.
“Ukrainian nationals are able to apply for visas from these centres and we have announced concessions for Ukrainians currently in the UK, to extend or switch their visa.
“We are working with other European countries to ensure that responses to any migration issues are practical and in the best interests of the Ukrainian people.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel