Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia on 24th February (having previously invaded in 2014), it has been uplifting to see people around the world uniting to do whatever they can to help those affected by the conflict.

The UK is a particularly charitable country, and people in Shropshire always go above and beyond when it comes to helping those in need. We saw this in spades during the covid pandemic, where community groups and friendly neighbours helped each other cope. This was especially important for those of us who had to shield, or were not able to get out for basic supplies and prescriptions.

There is also always a strong response from local communities whenever disaster appeals are organised through the major charities, which are so active in Shropshire. But the reality of renewed war in Europe following the devastation wreaked on the innocent people of Ukraine by the monster that is President Putin and his Russian war machine, has awakened a tremendous public spirit to try to help.

Most of us thought war in Europe had been consigned to history. Hardly anyone under the age of 75 has had experience of war in Europe, aside from those who served or supported people in the Balkan conflicts, and following the fall of the Berlin Wall at the end of the Cold War we did not expect nations would invade democratic neighbours in Europe.

I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of warmth and desire to help people in Ukraine and refugees escaping from the horror. Many of our communities have held fund raising events, have donated money, medicine, food, and many others have collected clothing and other consumables, which are waiting for the all-clear where to send them. At the time of writing, the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal in response to the crisis in Ukraine has helped raise over £150m, of which the government is providing £25m of match funding as part of its £400m assistance to Ukraine.

The displacement of people from their homes has been horrific to see, made all the worse by President Putin’s decision to use indiscriminate destruction in Ukrainian cities, with innocent civilians paying the price.

Since the first days of this renewed conflict (it is important not to forget Russian aggression in Ukraine has been going on since 2014) I have called on the government to introduce a flexible approach to refugees, and to provide support to neighbouring countries, as the first point to which refugees will seek to flee.

Many constituents have offered to provide accommodation for refugees and their families, and I am pleased the government has put in place a specific Homes for Ukrainians Scheme, to allow anyone who can provide assistance to do so if they wish. I joined 100,000 others within the first day of the scheme opening to sign up to provide sponsorship. People arriving under this scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and will be able to access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition.

The dire situation in Ukraine shows no sign of abating soon. I was in the House of Commons chamber last month when President Zelensky became the first non-Parliamentarian ever to give an address to the House of Commons. It was most moving. All MPs, Peers and journalists present stood united across party lines to show our support to him and the people of Ukraine in what they are going through to withstand this barbaric assault.

I stand foursquare behind the people and legitimate government of Ukraine, and the government has my full support for measures to ensure Putin fails in his policy of violent suppression of Ukraine.