Cllr Mel Allcott has used her third speech at the Lib Dem Conference to back a motion submitted by the Young Liberal Democrats designed to help protect the rights and freedoms of Ukrainian migrants who came to the UK to escape the war with Russia.
After making her debut speeches last year, Cllr Allcott on Monday (22nd Sep) urged the conference to get behind the motion which called for:
- The UK Government to automatically extend visas for Ukrainians already granted status and residing in the UK.
- The UK Government to establish a pathway to indefinite leave to remain for Ukrainians who have integrated into life in the UK and wish to remain long–term.
- The Government to work to ensure that Ukrainian pupils and other children with experience of forced displacement do not face delays in school enrolment and have access to trauma–informed support.
- The re–establishment of GCSEs and A–levels in Ukrainian language.
- Ukrainian–language books and educational materials to be available in schools and libraries.
- The Government to support Ukrainian cultural, educational, and linguistic initiatives for Ukrainian children whilst they reside in the UK.
- The Government to provide guidance and support for Ukrainians living in the UK to access further and higher education, including apprenticeships.
- The UK Government to provide support to displaced Ukrainians residing in the UK who wish to voluntarily resettle in safe areas of Ukraine.
In her speech Cllr Allcott said ‘I have had the privilege to both support and spend time with the Worcestershire Ukrainian community.
I believe they know they have our support. What they need now is certainty. Certainty the UK government will automatically extend visas. Certainty for the future of their children.
The UK government needs to step up and provide certainty, which must include certainty of education. A place in a school without delay, a clear pathway and a curriculum which includes being able to study their Ukrainian language and culture. Children need stability to grow, to learn, to thrive.
Let’s show we always stand with Ukraine, not just on the world stage but here, in our communities, in our classrooms and in the lives of children who deserve to flourish.’
**CLLR MEL ALLCOTTS SPEECH IN FULL**
Conference Good Afternoon,
I am here to speak in strong support of this motion,
I have had the privilege to both support and spend time with the Worcestershire Ukranian Community.
In Summer we commemorated Ukrainian Independence Day, at Christmas we celebrated St Nicholas and in February of this year we marked the 3rd anniversary of the Russian war on Ukraine.
For Independence day traditional Ukrainian dress was worn, a feast of traditional food provided and there was a lot of dancing. The national anthem was played and in a moving circle we held hands and sang.
For St Nicholas day there was a Christmas party and the children, including the first “Worcester born” Ukranian baby, enjoyed dressing up, singing, dancing, and joke telling. St Nicholas (Santa or Father Christmas to some of us) made an appearance and all the children received a stocking.
For the 3rd anniversary of the war we stood and sang the national anthem and the flag was paraded. A heart wrenching video was played in tribute to the late brother of the chair of the association, yet another casualty of this dreadful war.
The children performed songs and dance and the adults made speeches and gave out thank you certificates to Worcestershire residents, for all the help received including in one case, unusually, for car maintenance. In the worst of times, the Ukrainian community took the time, to say thank you. I see how kind, resilient and strong they are and my heart goes out to them.
I believe they know they have our support. What they need now is certainty. Certainty the UK government will automatically extend visas. Certainty for the future of their children. Certainty of education for their children. First arriving in March 2022 some children will be embarking on a fifth academic year at school, some will be starting college and some will be starting University.
In Worcestershire the community set up a Sunday school project which has enabled educational trips, regular classes in art and music and support in local events. These activities alone have noticeably increased the children’s confidence and helped with integration into our society.
The UK government needs to step up and provide certainty, which must include certainty of education. A place in a school without delay, a clear pathway and a curriculum which includes being able to study their Ukrainian language and culture. Children need stability to grow, to learn, to thrive.
Conference, as Liberal Democrats, let’s show we always stand with Ukraine, not just on the world stage but here, in our communities, in our classrooms and in the lives of children who deserve to flourish. Conference I urge you, support this motion. Thank you.
