Ynys Môn MP praises residents for their response to the crisis in Ukraine

Virginia Crosbie MP speaking in the debate on Ukraine

Submitted by Bethan Davies

A local MP has commended her constituents for their support of Ukrainian refugees.

Virginia Crosbie, Ynys Môn MP, praised locals as she spoke in the House of Commons.

She said: "We must give support in every way we can.

"I can talk about economic sanctions and military support, but today I would like to talk about people - the British people.

"Like many of my colleagues in this place, I am experiencing an avalanche of emails from concerned constituents asking how they can help.

"An outpouring of love and support for a country that many of the people in my constituency have no connection with and have never visited.

"My constituents want to do something to help.

"From families in Llanfairpwll, Cemaes and Menai offering rooms to refugees, to an enterprising chap in Holyhead wanting to collect van loads of supplies and a lady in Valley wanting to know how she can donate blankets, the offers of help are pouring in.

"We cannot and will not stand by and watch the war unfold with all the unnecessary suffering that goes with it.

"We need as individuals and communities to do something – anything - to help."

Virginia explained the most effective way to support Ukraine is to donate money to a registered charity helping in the region.

She said: "The charity British-Ukrainian Aid and the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain both have fundraising pages online.

"Big multinational charities such as the Red Cross, UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees are also raising money to provide large-scale support.

"If, like my lovely lady in Valley, people want to donate supplies, the Ministry of Defence has informed me that the Ukrainian Red Cross is the best central point of contact.

"It can direct people to local collection points to drop off supplies.

"The most-needed items are fresh batteries, flashlights, warm clothes, shoes, sanitary products, baby formula, towels and bedding.

"If people would prefer to donate their time or their property, such as my constituents in Menai, Cemaes and Llanfairpwll, please co-ordinate and contact the Refugee Council, which is co-ordinating offers of housing and accommodation.

"It is also looking for volunteers to support refugees who arrive here.

"By working together, we can make best use of the resources we have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine."

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