Homes for Ukrainian criticism disappoints Home Affairs

Deputy Chris Blin, who is president of the Overseas Aid & Development Committee, claimed that Home Affairs had ‘no drive’ to introduce the scheme and that progress with it has been too slow.

But his criticism sparked a retort from the committee’s president Rob Prow.

‘I am very disappointed that Deputy Blin has criticised the committee in the media without having the courtesy to raise with us directly,’ he said.

‘Examining whether we can operate a Home for Ukraine-type scheme is not straightforward and requires all areas of the States to work together, as well as UK immigration, Sark and Alderney.

'This type of commentary from Deputy Blin is not in line with the collegiate way the rest of States committees are working on this issue.’

More than 200 households expressed an interest in housing refugees from Ukraine.

‘I fully appreciate and understand that there are members of our community who have expressed an interest in housing refugees and they want us to move forward now, so the time being taken before a firm decision is made is unwelcome for them. But we are trying to establish that we have a States-wide approach to this.

'Quite simply it would be irresponsible of us as a government to enable refugees to arrive in the Bailiwick and then not be able to provide them with the support they need, and we’re not going to do that,’ said Deputy Prow.

Some Ukrainians have arrived in the island under the family scheme, which enables refugees to come to Guernsey if they had a close family connection.

‘Extending our support to Ukrainians, beyond the existing family scheme, fundraising initiatives and the significant donation by P&R on behalf of the people of Guernsey and Alderney, has the potential to result in far-reaching cross-committee implications,' Deputy Prow added.

‘There is a strong political desire for us to do all we reasonably can to support Ukraine in these times of extreme hardship for its people. It is the impact of war on its people that is precisely the reason we need a joined-up States of Guernsey response, with every committee being able to offer support to any refugees based on their specific needs should we decide to introduce a Sponsorship Scheme,’ said Deputy Prow.

He said the island must be prepared for specialist support to be required by some individuals.

‘We are a small jurisdiction and need to ensure we are properly equipped to offer the sanctuary and support that may be required.’

Guernsey’s infrastructure and its limitations are being considered by Home Affairs, as well as existing pressures on health and social care, supporting additional and complex needs within education and housing provisions.

‘Our committee, in consultation with P&R, has approached principal committees that will be impacted and Alderney and Sark and requested feedback on the support they will be able to provide to fully meet the needs of any refugees arriving in the Bailiwick without having family links in the islands.’