We live in exceptional times. I rarely cover the same issue in this column in successive weeks. But war in Europe with the devastation being caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, means I can really focus on no other topic. Hundreds of constituents have been in touch with me over the past two weeks since the invasion began.

I commend wholeheartedly the UK response to Putin’s appalling unprovoked assault on its democratic neighbour. We have worked rapidly with Western allies to put in place coordinated, unprecedented sanctions on Putin, his cronies, Russian banks and companies, including increased pressure on oil and gas exporters. Both before the invasion and since, the UK has been the key ally in Europe to whom Ukraine has turned for military training and hardware. We are providing almost £400m in aid, making the UK the largest bilateral humanitarian donor to Ukraine.

That being said, I share concerns about the humanitarian crisis. I joined almost 50 Conservative MPs on 28th February publicly calling on the Home Secretary to offer support both for neighbouring countries welcoming refugees from Ukraine, and a flexible approach to allow those seeking refuge in the UK to do so.

I was in the House of Commons chamber on Tuesday when President Zelensky’s became the first non-Parliamentarian ever to give a most moving virtual address to the House of Commons. 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.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, the measures put in place by the government so far are welcome. The Ukrainian Family Scheme allows British nationals and people settled in the UK to bring a wide group of family members to the UK, providing a route for 200,000 Ukrainians fleeing disaster, war, and persecution to come here.

But we must do more, and I know many constituents are keen to offer help or accommodation. The Home Secretary has announced a humanitarian sponsorship pathway, which will open up a route to the UK for Ukrainians who do not have family ties with the UK, but who are able to be matched with individuals, charities, businesses, and community groups. We await details how such offers of accommodation or other help will be implemented, but will be facilitated by local authorities, so Shropshire Council locally. I shall publicise where any offer of help can be registered.

Countries in close proximity to Ukraine will face the initial impact of those fleeing war. The UK is right to be providing aid and humanitarian assistance to neighbouring democracies. We must play our part in helping those in need. I have made clear to the government my own view that we need to move much further and faster in getting these routes up and running, with more staff at visa centres, to cut out delays and start welcoming these genuine refugees to safety.