Refugees coming to the UK from Ukraine could be housed in the mansions of sanctioned Russian oligarchs, Downing Street has said. It has also not ruled out using the hotel at Chelsea Football Club.
Ministers have faced calls for the vast houses of those impacted by measures imposed by the UK Government to be turned into homes for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. On Monday, Downing Street confirmed it was examining whether the properties could be used, although it is thought new legislation would be required.
It was also suggested Chelsea Football Club's hotel could be used after owner Roman Abramovich was added to the Government's hit list. Asked about the mansions, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "Certainly that's something we are looking at. I think in the first instance the two (visa) routes that we have are how we expect people will be housed in the UK, either through family or through this sponsorship route."
