Today in the chamber the Nationality and Borders Bill is being debated. The House of Lords has suggested removing a clause which was put in place to deter these dangerous crossings. There is a genuine concern for those putting their lives at risk by crossing the channel in small boats, and disgust towards the evil criminal gangs profiteering off of this. Removing this clause, which differentiates between those who came to the UK legally and those who arrived via unsafe and illegal means, would be a slap in the face to those who follow due process.

Unsurprisingly, Labour will be supporting the Lords amendment and doing nothing to prevent the small boats crossing the channel or safeguard the lives this puts at risk.

The political-philosopher Rousseau once said about the Polish people, ‘You can swallow the Pole, but you will never digest them’. I’ve always felt that this quote is very reflective of the Polish people and their history of robustly standing against Russian aggression, and more specifically their steadfast support for their dear allies, the Ukrainian people.

Locally, we have seen the heart-warming generosity of Ipswich people: the Polish Community Hub has raised nearly £10,000 to support a town in Poland which is taking in Ukrainian refugees, predominantly children. Three lorries are taking donations to Lviv, in Ukraine, which were collected from generous donations (including essentials, medication, and bedding).

Ipswich people are going above and beyond to demonstrate their support for Ukraine, including local restaurant owner Julien, who is driving across Europe with donations, Rob and Sharon from the Geek Retreat who are donating their takings to Red Cross Appeal for Ukraine, Maidenhall Residents’ Association, which is taking donations from the community, and Ipswich Town which matched the donations taken by the Red Cross at their Lincoln match, with about £7,000 being donated in total. I am incredibly proud to represent the Town as it demonstrates true Ipswich spirit and generosity towards Ukraine.

I asked the deputy Prime Minister about how the UK is supporting Poland, as it welcomes Ukrainian refugees, and faces security threats of its own.

My constituent Olena told me about her family, in Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, which is encircled by Russian forces. I asked the Home Office today about how we can help her family members, and other like them, who are currently in a warzone. I asked about a way to get refugees to safety which does not rely on offers from Putin, for a humanitarian which takes evacuees to Russia or to Belarus.

I also asked, on behalf of my constituent Viktoria, whether the family visa scheme is transferrable to others if one of the family members who is eligible doesn’t want to take the opportunity, so we can help those desperately in need of a safe passage out of the warzone.

I know I speak for my constituents when I say we want to help those fleeing Ukraine, and I am pleased to support the efforts and generosity that my constituents have shown towards the people of Ukraine.

My thoughts are with those forced to flee their homes and I know my constituents feel the same way. I have seen many emails in my inbox over the last few days expressing just that.

This goes to show why our border’s policy is so key, why we must ensure we have the capacity to aid genuine refugees.

All the Ukrainian people want is to live in their homeland, in peace and safety. We must do whatever we can to aid these genuine refugees.