The actress criticises UK immigration policy while supporting a Ukrainian mother and daughter seeking safety.

Juliet Stevenson has shared that she is moved to tears every day by the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian refugees she has welcomed into her north London home, as she criticised the UK Government’s “harsh and cruel” immigration Bill.

Stevenson and her husband recently offered one of their adult child’s bedrooms to a Ukrainian mother and her six-year-old daughter, who arrived last week. The mother and daughter came to the UK on a tourist visa a few weeks ago and are now applying for visas under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme.

Expressing concern about the Nationality and Borders Bill currently debated in Parliament, Stevenson said, “It is a Bill that entirely lacks compassion or justice and fairness and is out of step with the British people’s feelings.” She added that the Bill risks criminalising the very process of seeking asylum, despite the overwhelming generosity of the British public in offering refuge to Ukrainian families.

The 65-year-old actress joined Together With Refugees, a coalition of 500 charities, in calling for reforms to the legislation. The group advocates for the resettlement of at least 10,000 refugees annually and the removal of a clause punishing refugees who arrive without going through official routes.

Stevenson also highlighted the delays and challenges of bureaucracy, saying: “It is so cruel to force people to endure all this while fleeing danger. Let people get to safety first, and then we can sort the paperwork.”

Her neighbours have been incredibly supportive, offering toys, assistance, and kindness to help the new arrivals settle in. Stevenson has been teaching the mother and daughter about local amenities, including the local doctor’s office, public transport, parks, and the library. The little girl, who is taking remote lessons from her Kyiv school, has also bonded with Stevenson’s family dog.

Despite their harrowing journey, Stevenson considers herself fortunate to have them as guests. She said, “They make me cry every day because they’re so courageous, and they’re lovely people. It could so easily be us in their position.”

Other prominent figures, including Olivia Colman, have spoken out against the Bill. Colman called on the public to contact their MPs, stating that proceeding with these policies would “bring such shame on the UK.”

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, added that the Bill “would harm thousands of people who come to this country desperately needing safety.” His statement reflects widespread public concern about the lack of compassion in the proposed legislation.

The debate continues, with pressure mounting on the UK Government to prioritise decency, fairness, and humanitarian response in the face of an ongoing refugee crisis.

Over 150,000 Britons express interest as new visa programme for Ukrainian refugees prepares to launch.

The UK Government is set to launch its Homes for Ukraine initiative this week, a scheme designed to support Ukrainian refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict. Over 150,000 Britons have already registered their interest in offering housing to those affected by the war. This new programme allows both individuals and families without connections to the UK to apply for visas under specific conditions.

How does the programme function?

The Homes for Ukraine scheme enables charities, community groups, businesses, and individuals to house Ukrainian refugees, even if they have no prior connection to the UK. Anyone with available accommodation for at least six months can volunteer to sponsor a Ukrainian individual or family, though all sponsors and applicants will undergo security checks.

The programme will operate in two phases. The first phase begins this Friday, allowing sponsors to nominate specific Ukrainians or families to stay with them. For those not yet connected to a sponsor, the Government is collaborating with NGOs to streamline the matching process. While there is no limit to the number of applicants, individuals are encouraged to register their interest via the official website, homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk.

Who can apply?

Ukrainian nationals or their immediate family members are eligible if they were resident in Ukraine before January 1, 2022. Sponsors must have permission to remain in the UK for at least six months and provide suitable accommodation for at least half a year.

What checks are involved?

Both sponsors and refugees will undergo security and biometric checks during the application and upon arrival. Local councils will also oversee housing assessments to ensure accommodations are safe, although concerns remain about the feasibility of pre-arrival checks given time pressures.

What happens if a placement fails?

Safeguards will ensure that refugees are not left homeless should a housing arrangement fall through. Upon arrival, refugees will receive a welcome pack detailing emergency services, benefits, and other key information to ease their integration.

Concerns from advocacy groups

Some organisations have raised concerns about the scheme’s efficiency and risks. Robina Qureshi from Positive Action in Housing criticised the Government’s approach, suggesting the programme risks creating delays while failing to address visa restrictions. Similarly, the Refugee Council flagged potential bureaucratic delays, resource shortages, and safeguarding concerns that could hinder vulnerable refugees from receiving timely support.

Local authorities will require detailed data on visa applicants, including medical, educational, and other support needs, to ensure proper safeguarding and resource allocation as the programme progresses.

The Homes for Ukraine initiative is a significant step towards offering safety and stability to refugees but faces challenges ahead as it seeks to balance the urgency of need with administrative complexity.