A leading political figure from the Green Party, who is Jewish, has weighed in on the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras byelection amid growing concerns over government policy shifts. The Conservative defence secretary has criticized planned cuts to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, arguing they could undermine Western resolve against Russia by signaling hesitation in supporting Ukrainian refugees. From January, financial support for hosts will plummet from £350 to £100 monthly, while local council funding per arrival will nearly halve, raising fears among hosts and refugees alike about the scheme’s future. Hosts and beneficiaries warn the changes may force some to abandon sponsorships, leaving vulnerable Ukrainians without critical support during a difficult transition period.
The Green leader, who is Jewish, made the remarks as part of his campaign in the Holborn and St Pancras byelectionGrant Shapps, the former Conservative defence secretary, has warned government cuts to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme may “send the wrong message to [Vladimir] Putin” that the West is wavering in its support for Kyiv.From 1 January, payments to refugee hosts will fall from £350 to £100 a month, while council funding per arrival will drop from £5,900 to £3,300.Nataliya Rumyantseva is hosting her mother, the first Ukrainian to arrive in the UK after the war started. She said the changes were likely to have a significant impact.“When refugees arrive here from Ukraine, they are shellshocked and need time to adapt and learn the language. If hosting changes to become a more commercial rental arrangement, I think that’s cruel.”One host who lives in Greenwich said he did not know if he would be able to continue hosting because of the drop in payments. “I’ve been a sponsor since May 2022. I was dismayed to learn that thank you payments are reducing to just £100,” he said.“I lost my job within months of becoming a sponsor and these payments have become an absolute lifeline even though I did not volunteer for this scheme for the money. I genuinely worry about the consequences of this change for Ukrainians in the UK.” Continue reading...
