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More than 260 respond to government call for Ukraine support

Offers include places to stay and practical support

More than 260 people on the Isle of Man have offered support, including opening their homes, to Ukrainian refugees.

The Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Jane Poole-Wilson, confirmed the figures when opening a Tynwald debate on the Island’s response to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

Today Tynwald is being asked to support Ukrainian sovereignty, democracy and independence.

The motion asks the court to show commitment to fully supporting international sanctions against Russia and the protection of refugees.

The court is being asked to condemn the Russian invasion of the European nation and support Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Mrs Poole-Wilson, in her role as Deputy Chief Minister, stood in for Alfred Cannan, who’s absent from today’s sitting.

"Although we are not able to influence events in Ukraine, we can do two things.

"Firstly, we can ensure that we are aligned with international measures being undertaken to deal Russia a heavy economic blow, in the hope that this will influence the Russian leader, and those around him, by hurting the Russian elite financially.

"Secondly we can offer a safe haven for those who are fleeing the conflict.'

Earlier this month government invited people willing to open their homes to get in touch via Ukrainesupport@gov.im. 

The Isle of Man is working to establish more routes for refugees, regardless of whether they have family or friends on the Island.

Like the UK there will be a registration and matching process to allocate individuals to appropriate homes on the Island.

To widen the available routes, Mrs Poole-Wilson said government, like the UK, is working to allow people to sponsor individuals with no prior connection to the Island to come here.

Community groups such as churches and NGOs will also be able to sponsor individuals too.

Mrs Poole-Wilson said the feeling from the Island community towards those fleeing the conflict has been ‘strong’:

 Listen to the Deputy Chief Minister’s full speech below:

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