MPs are among celebrities and members of the public who have expressed plans to take in a refugee fleeing the Ukraine conflict as part of the Government's new sponsor scheme.
The Homes for Ukraine programme will allow people to sponsor a named Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them in their home, or offer a separate property for them to use rent-free.
While many will welcome the launch of the scheme, albeit on day 19 of the conflict, it has received criticism for not being as welcoming as programmes rolled out by EU countries that have waived visa requirements for Ukrainians in the short term.
Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council described the programme as “effectively a managed migration route, which is not suitable to use to respond to a humanitarian crisis”.
Shadow Communities Secretary Lisa Nandy questioned why the Government expected Brits to find a refugee themselves to house.
The Government believes “tens of thousands” of Ukrainians could potentially benefit from this new humanitarian scheme.
No10 insisted "it will be down to individuals" whether to take in a refugee fleeing Ukraine.
Labour leader Keir Starmer
Mr Starmer indicated that he plans to take in "as many" refugees as he possible could.
But that was before Mr Gove confirmed of the scheme.
Speaking to The Times, Mr Starmer said: “If necessary [I would], as many people would . . . I think we’re a very welcoming nation.”
It wasn't confirmed whether he was signing up to the scheme.
Communities Secretary Michael Gove
Michael Gove said in principle he is looking to be able to house a Ukrainian refugee.
Speaking on the BBC's Sunday Morning show, he said: "I’m exploring what I can do.
"I know that there are others who have. Without going into my personal circumstances, there are a couple of things I need to sort out – but yes.”
Mr Gove has later committed to sponsoring a refugee, the Mirror understands.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps
Mr Shapps admitted the subject has been debated within his family for the past few weeks.
They concluded that they want to join other Brit households in offering a home to refugees.
In a tweet, he said: “We’ve spent the past few weeks as a family discussing the devastating situation in Ukraine, and so we intend to apply today to join other UK households in offering our home to provide refuge to Ukrainians until it is safe for them to return to their country.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace
The Mirror understands the Defence Secretary would like to take a refugee into his home if he can.
But as his role is particularly sensitive, Mr Wallace faces significant security concerns.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey
Sir Ed Davey confirmed he had been in talks with his wife for the last week and they decided they could sign up to the scheme.
Mr Davey told the Mirror: "My wife Emily and I were discussing last week that we would both like to welcome Ukrainian refugees in our home, so we will be looking into the scheme once it finally opens.
"As parents we cannot imagine having to leave our home to keep our children safe, and we are so proud that so many other families in our country are planning to open their doors to people in need.”
Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh
Louise Haigh has expressed her willingness to take in a Ukrainian refugee.
She believes many people from Sheffield, her home town, will also "show their generosity" in a number of ways.
Ms Haigh told the Mirror: "Sheffield is a city of sanctuary, and we have always been ready to do what we can to help. Many Sheffielders will show their generosity in other ways through donations or other support, but my circumstances allow me to play a small part in taking in those fleeing this brutal war, and I will be applying for the scheme."
Matt Hancock
Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he will be signing up to the sponsor scheme.
He told BBC Radio Suffolk: “I’d be very happy to, in fact I’ve been working with a Ukrainian family who have family relations in my constituency - I’d be very happy to have a Ukrainian family in my home, I’m lucky to be able to do that and I look forward to participating, whether in this scheme or helping a Ukrainian family directly through my constituency links.
"That’s something I’m planning to do.”
Why are some MPs unable to do so?
Some MPs were warned by their whips not to discuss whether they will take in a refugee, due to their living arrangements.
Others told the Mirror they are waiting for more details of the scheme to work out whether it will fit with their living situation.
The Prime Minister will not be able to take in any Ukrainian refugees into his Downing Street flat under the new scheme because of security concerns.
Asked about Mr Johnson, who lives in the flat above No 11 Downing Street with his wife Carrie and two of his children, the PM’s spokesman said: “There are specific challenges around security on housing people in No 10.
“Various ministers have been asked about this. Obviously it will come down to individual circumstances. This is a significant commitment.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he would love to, but can't, also because of security reasons.
Mr Khan told Good Morning Britain: “Personally, we won’t be able to because of space and other security issues, but I admire the generosity of those Londoners, and we know our city is a very generous city."
Health Secretary Sajid Javid did not confirm whether he will sign up to sponsor a Ukrainian refugee.
He said he had been discussing the issue with his wife, and added: "
Not all MPs have the spatial means to house a Ukrainian refugee.
