More than 200 visas have been issued so far to Ukrainians being sponsored to stay at homes in Greater Manchester, new figures revealed today. But the publication of the welcome statistics comes amid an ever-growing backlash over the speed it is taking to process applications, with many families in Greater Manchester and across the country claiming delays were putting lives at risk.
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continued, the Home Secretary today apologised 'with frustration' after coming under fire over the time it is taking for Ukrainian refugees to arrive in the UK. But Priti Patel denied visa requirements and checks were slowing the process and causing delays, insisting the UK will 'absolutely see changes in numbers' as work continues.
It's estimated that more than four million refugees have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion, and an estimated 6.5 million people have also been displaced from their homes within the country.
