Mark Drakeford and Nicola Sturgeon have said both Wales and Scotland are willing to become “super sponsors” for Ukrainian refugees.
The UK Government is set to launch a scheme where individuals and organisations can sponsor refugees to come into the country, but the Welsh and Scottish first ministers told Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, they wanted to “maximise” their contribution and act as “super sponsors”. In a letter to Mr Gove, they also renewed their calls on Westminster to waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian nationals trying to get into the UK.
Ms Sturgeon said she wanted Scotland to play its “full part in welcoming Ukrainians seeking sanctuary from war” and criticised the UK response as one “beset with bureaucracy and red tape”. The governments in Cardiff and Holyrood said super sponsorship would enable Ukrainians to get clearance to enter each country quickly and be housed temporarily while they work with local partners to provide longer term accommodation, safeguarding and access to services.
