We are taking strong action against tyrant Putin and will do right by the needy

THE United Kingdom is as one in opposition to Putin’s horrific war on Ukraine. Most countries share our disgust.

What we are reading about and what I saw for myself in Poland last week is heart-breaking.

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I want to assure Sun on Sunday readers that their government is taking strong action.

We have imposed the most significant economic sanctions on Putin and his cronies in the history of any government.

We will make them even tougher through new laws which I am introducing to ensure Russians and others can’t hide their dirty money in the UK and will feel the full force of law enforcement.

We have provided essential aid, supplies and military support to Ukraine. Putin is being marginalised on the international stage. He is a war criminal.

Putin must fail in Ukraine.

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At the same time, we are extending our hand of friendship to thousands of Ukrainians. At the start of the conflict, I immediately announced that close family members of Ukrainians can come to the UK.

I have extended the Ukraine Family Scheme significantly to parents, grandparents, children over 18, siblings and all immediate family members. I have gone even further, and those who apply to the scheme can now stay in the UK for at least three years, giving them certainty, stability and ensuring their future here.

🔵 Read our Russia - Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates

This scheme is already up and running. Those seeking to come to the UK in this way should call the free 24-hour Home Office helpline on +44 (0)808 164 8810. Our teams in country and in the region are ready to receive and support those who are seeking to come to the UK.

Every humanitarian crisis requires a bespoke response, and we are extending our humanitarian support by establishing a bespoke sponsorship scheme to grant thousands more visas to Ukrainians who don’t have family in the UK.

They will be matched with people, businesses, community groups or local authorities which are able to act as a sponsor. More details will be announced shortly by the Department for Levelling Up.

I have been asked why we can’t let people in without visas. The reason is that would make this country less safe — a fundamental element of the visa process is security and biometric checks.

It is now four years since the Salisbury attack on UK soil. We know Russian soldiers are infiltrating groups of Ukrainians and Putin has a record of sending goons to this country to murder people. Security checks are vital.

We did the same thing last year for those fleeing Afghanistan.

Accelerating checks means we can focus on the people who really need our help while keeping the British public safe. My top priority.

Our incredible country always does right by those in need.

I speak to my counterparts in the region every day and I have told them that the United Kingdom will not back down and we will always be with them with our warm heart and hand of friendship in their hour of need.

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