A READER has got in touch with us about the Ukranian refugee crisis - and thinks the UK should be doing more to help.

I CANNOT believe this government’s attitude to people fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

First of all, Kevin Foster suggests that they should apply for work visas to be employed as seasonal workers.

Then our Home Secretary, Priti Patel, confirms that ministers are “Absolutely working on expanding the visa scheme”.

In other words, desperate people will still have to pass the suitability test and tick all the boxes before they’re allowed into our country.

Poland, on the other hand, have already welcomed over a quarter of a million Ukrainians. I use the words ‘allowed’ and ‘welcomed’ deliberately.

Does Patel not understand the meaning of the word ‘refugee’? Does she not realise that this is an emergency and that Ukrainian refugees are in need of immediate sanctuary and support?

Is there no end to this government’s lack of compassion and humanity?

Tony Kemp, Spennymoor.

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