I WAS honoured to take part in the Minster making service at St Mary Magdalene on Sunday; a truly joyful affair. However, all present were conscious that in Ukraine, folk just like us, have had their lives upended by the despicable actions of Putin and we unanimously agreed to do all possible to help those impacted.

In Parliament I attended the unprecedented and deeply moving address made to all MPs gathered in the Chamber by Ukraine’s remarkable President Zelensky. He thanked the UK for its support and asked us to continue it in all forms, which we are doing, which includes £395m of humanitarian aid and this week donating 500 mobile generators for hospitals, shelters and water treatment plants which have lost power during the ongoing Russian invasion.

And on the refugee front welcome changes have been made to the Family Scheme so now Ukrainians with passports can get permission online to come to the UK and can give their biometrics once they arrive. Welcome too is the new ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme which will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety - including those with no family ties with the UK; and already many constituents are signing up.

Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month. Ukrainians arriving in the UK under both schemes will be granted three years’ leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services. For information on how to record your interest in this scheme, please search: homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/

As ever I am out and about locally. I had a rewarding visit to meet apprentices at Western Power’s main regional training centre in Taunton. They have a bright future in this growing industry which is not just keeping people connected but playing a key role in providing electric car infrastructure. And in Wellington, one of my key commitments - the Rail station project - is moving on with the latest tranche of Government funding confirmed.

Rebecca Pow

MP for Taunton Deane