Backlash for Tories in Ukraine refugee shambles as voters turn on MPs over ‘farcical’ delays
- Members of a group of 200 people in the Malvern area are angry at local MP
- They accuse MP Harriet Baldwin of failures over Ukrainian visa scheme
- Many have sworn they will never vote Tory again after the fiasco
- Recent figures showed only 4,700 visas have been granted under Homes for Ukraine, with a backlog standing at 27,500
Tory voters are turning on local MPs over ‘farcical’ delays in the refugee visa scheme.
The first signs of a growing backlash against Home Office bureaucracy could threaten the Conservative party’s electoral prospects.
Rob Leadbeater, from Worcester, is part of a group of 200 people in the Malvern area who are keen to help refugees.
The 49-year-old customer services manager has offered sanctuary to a family of five at the home he shares with his partner Paul Madraszek, 61.
He said: ‘There has been no communication at all from our MP Harriett Baldwin.
Rob Leadbeater and Paul Madraszek at their home in Old Storridge, Alfrick, Worcester, March 23 2022. They have offered their home to a family of five but have received no communicatiion from their MP, Harriet Baldwin
They intended to take in translator Hanna Marchuk, 39, husband Volodymyr, 41, and their three children (above) after being introduced to them via a third party on Facebook, but have met with inaction by Home Office bureaucracy
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire since 2010, has been slated by members of a group of 200 people in the Malvern area who are keen to help refugees
‘I’ve been a Conservative voter all my life and I’ve already decided I won’t be voting that way in the next local election.’
Another lifelong Conservative voter Mark Lewis, 56, and his Ukrainian-born wife Irina have also spent weeks trying to get seven relatives and friends to safety here.
‘I have vowed never to vote Tory again,’ said Mr Lewis, from Chertsey, Surrey, who works in finance.
‘I can’t stand the hypocrisy of the Government. My MP Dr Ben Spencer has all the paperwork but I’ve heard nothing.’
Figures published on Friday showed only 4,700 visas have been granted under Homes for Ukraine, with a backlog standing at 27,500.
A separate scheme for Ukrainians with relatives in the UK has awarded 24,400 visas.
MP Mrs Baldwin said: ‘I am working closely with the Home Office and I am immensely proud of everyone who has come forward to offer their home.’ Dr Spencer was approached for comment.
A Government spokesman said: ‘We are moving as quickly as possible to ensure that those fleeing Ukraine can find safety in the UK.’
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