Under the government’s new Homes for Ukraine refugee scheme, Brits are being encouraged to welcome people fleeing the war into their homes.
Downing Street has said Boris Johnson would not be able to do so himself due to “specific challenges around security” that come with being the prime minister.
But some other politicians have already decided to put themselves forward for the scheme.
Michael Gove
The levelling up secretary is in charge of the programme and has said he would be willing to take someone in. “Yes. I’m exploring what I can do,” he told the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme. “Without going into my personal circumstances there are couple of things I need to sort out.”
Keir Starmer
The Labour leader has said he would help give someone a home. “If necessary [I would], as many people would,” he told The Times. “I think we’re a very welcoming nation.”
Nicola Sturgeon
A Scottish government spokesperson said the first minister would “be willing to play her part” in offering refuge “if needed”.
“Ministers are still pressing the UK government to go further and faster on accepting refugees fleeing Ukraine — but do not yet have details from them on how a scheme will work, and what scope there may need to be for asking individuals or families to provide shelter,” the spokesperson added.
Grant Shapps
The transport secretary on Monday said he and his family would be applying to provide refuge for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
Matt Hancock
The former health secretary also volunteered a space in his house.
Sajid Javid
The health secretary, Hancock’s successor, has not ruled out housing someone.
But he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain it could be hard for him to “offer the time” needed by a refugee.
“I’m starting to have a conversation with my wife on that and I think many households – as you say, and I’m pleased you brought this up – are probably thinking about this across the country,” he later told BBC Radio 4′s Today programme.
Javid said it was “important that anyone that becomes a host” is able to “fulfil the obligations of a host” including being able to “spend time with these families”.
The government has said it hopes to be able to match refugees to someone in the UK by Friday.
Alicia Kearns
The Tory MP for Rutland and Melton said she would take in a Ukrainian refugee as Michael Gove set out details of the scheme in the House of Commons.