London responds to Paris criticism of ‘lack of humanity’ towards Ukrainian refugees

by

The British government today stated that it could not “simply” open the gates of the United Kingdom after accepting Paris criticizes “inhumanity” towards Ukrainian refugees returned to Calais.

“If we just open the gates, we will not benefit the people we need to benefit, the real refugees, but I think we will also undermine popular support,” Justice Minister Dominique Raab told the BBC.

“We must ensure that we act for those who need our support,” he added.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanen on Saturday criticized the UK’s “completely inadequate response” and “inhumanity” to Ukrainian refugees returning to Calais in a letter to British counterpart Prieto Patel.

Seeking to reunite their families in the English Channel, about 150 Ukrainians who have fled their country since Russia invaded have been called in recent days by British officials to “go back” and “go to Paris or Brussels” to obtain their visas. , at the consulates, he said in this letter that took note of the French Agency.

For several days now, the situation has caused friction between London and Paris, whose relations are already strained due to the issue of illegal immigration.

The French government announced on Thursday that the United Kingdom would set up “a kind of consulate” in Calais. for issuing a visa directly to the Ukrainians there.

But “for now, it’s ‘we’ll see, we’ll see’, four days have passed now,” Darmanen told France Radio Europe 1 and Cnews.

“I have a very good relationship with Ms. Patel,” he continued. “I’m sure she’s a good woman. “It will solve this problem, but it must solve it quickly.”

The British Home Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

The British government, which has also been criticized in the UK for its lack of generosity towards refugees, this week eased visa requirements for Ukrainians with relatives in the country.

The British and residents of the United Kingdom can bring their family members living in Ukraine, who can obtain a three-year residence permit, after security checks.

Follow Skai.gr on Google News
and be the first to know all the news

You May Also Like

Recommended for you