THE UK’s approach to helping Ukrainian refugees “just isn’t good enough”, Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Only “around 50” visas have been given under the Ukraine Family Scheme – despite the Home Office receiving 5,535 online applications, according to reports.
It comes after the UK government was slammed for a “lack of humanity” by France’s interior minister, amid reports families fleeing the war were being turned away at Calais by UK Border Force officials.
READ MORE: Britain's 'inhumane' Ukrainian refugee policy slammed by France
Gerald Darmanin claimed Ukrainians were being told to travel more than 100 miles to get visas before they were allowed to enter the UK.
There are more than 1.5 million people who have been displaced from Ukraine as a result of Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
The First Minister vented her fury with the Home Office on Twitter, responding to a tweet from The Telegraph’s deputy political editor which revealed the tiny number of people allowed into Britain under the scheme, which opened on Friday.
She called on the UK Government to let in anyone seeking refuge from the conflict immediately.
Sturgeon tweeted: “This just isn’t good enough.
READ MORE: Public support for Ukraine's refugees 'stark contrast' to Tories borders bill
“With 1.5m already displaced from Ukraine, there is a desperate need for UK to step up - both on re-uniting families and offering refuge more generally.
“We must let people in - as other countries are doing - and deal with paperwork afterwards.”
Set up in response to the crisis, the Ukraine Family Scheme allows Ukrainians with immediate and extended family in the UK to enter the country.
The Home Office has called it an “unprecedented scheme” which has already seen “many” successful applicants.
In response to criticism from the French earlier on Sunday UK Government spokesperson said: “Staff have been surged across Europe to support people in coming to the UK and all visa application centres remain open with thousands of appointments available to carry out essential security checks, and a dedicated helpline has been set up.
“The Ukrainian Family Scheme is already working and unlimited sponsorship route will be opening for Ukrainians without family ties in the UK so community groups, local authorities and others can sponsor and support those in need to come to the UK.”
The Home Office was approached for further comment.
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