Gogglebox fans praise Mica as star slams government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme

GOGGLEBOX star Mica Ven was praised by viewers as she questioned the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.

It allows UK residents to sponsor and offer accommodation to Ukrainians fleeing the war for a minimum of six months.

In return hosts will receive a £350-a-month tax-free payment.

Although Mica praised the idea, she questioned why similar schemes weren't set up during other conflicts.

She said to partner Marcus during Friday night's episode: “Not being funny, this isn't the first refugee situation, you know what I mean? How come only now there's incentives to encourage people to help refugees?”

She clarified that she wan't trying to discredit the worthy scheme but to shine a spotlight on other humanitarian crises where victims have been overlooked.

Writing on Instagram, she said: "Being black, it’s very easy to come to my own conclusion about this, but I can be open minded if someone can make this make sense. Otherwise I’ll just continue to think it’s got something to do with race 🤷🏽‍♀️.

"Anyway BIG salute to those in the Gang willing to extend their homes, I honestly salute you, cos I know that’s got to be a good heart as I don’t know what the measly £350 can do for anyone in them expensive times.

"Make it make sense someone? 🤷🏽‍♀️."

Her followers appreciated her honesty, with one writing: "Thank you very much for using your platform to speak the truth. I was watching the show and I had to rewind and watch you again 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾."

A second said: "So glad they aired this."

A third posted: "Pointing out the double standard does NOT diminish the suffering in Ukraine. Thanks for bringing attention to this!! Xxxxxx."

More than 3million Ukrainians have fled their country since Vladimir Putin ordered his invasion last month.

The Government brought in the Homes for Ukraine scheme last week, after weeks of anger over the UK’s failure to get a grip of the crisis and offer speedy sanctuary to refugees fleeing Russia’s aggression.