NEWTON Abbot MP Martin Wrigley has welcomed the Government announcement offering a further 24 months extension to the Ukrainian visa scheme.

But he says he will continue to push for further guarantees for ‘our Ukrainian friends’ as the decision does not provide certainty.

Mr Wrigley has been campaigning to support Ukrainians who re living in Teignbridge while the war continues.

They are in the country under the Government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme.

Currently there are 2,399 Ukrainians in Devon of the 270,000 visas issued under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Visas were initially offered for three years and the scheme extended by 18 months in February but many were looking at their visas coming to an end.

The extension will now allow them a further two years.

Mr Wrigley said: ‘This decision will provide much-needed relief to families who have been living with uncertainty and fear as their visas approached expiry.

‘However, while this is a vital step forward, I urge the Government to go further.

‘Families who have lived, worked and contributed to our communities for over two years need more than temporary reassurance, Ukrainians need lasting security.’

He is calling on the Home Office to ensure time already spent under the Homes of Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Extension Scheme will count towards applications for indefinite leave to remain, citizenship or other long-term residency.

He said: ‘Ukrainians should not be left starting from zero after years of building their lives here.’

And he wants a ‘clear pathway’ to settlement for those who wish to make the UK their permanent home.

He said: ‘This would recognise their contribution to our economy and society and would provide families with dignity, stability and the ability to plan their futures.

In his letter to the Home Secretary to push for further guarantees, he said: ‘Communities across the UK have opened their doors and hearts to those fleeing Putin’s war. They need to know the Government will stand with them for the long term.’