GMB’s Susanna Reid tells MP on ‘red tape’ as Ukrainian refugees are desperately fleeing war

British Good Morning presenter Susanna Reid asked MP James Cleverly about the lack of administrative help at the Ukraine border

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Ukraine: Susanna Reid grilled James Cleverly on refugee ‘red ice’

Good morning Britain’s Susanna Reid told MP James Cleverly about the overwhelming amount of “red tape” for Ukrainian refugees fleeing their war-torn country.

The minister in charge of Europe and North America appeared on Tuesday’s ITV program after Rob Rinder called from the Polish border to urge the UK government to make processes easier and more supportive. more administrative help.

When the ITV program moved on to an interview with James Cleverly, presenter Susanna became obese: “There is no British desk at that station. The nearest office is two hours away or you can go to Kraków and fill out the form.

“There is too much red tape. Why don’t we cut it? “

The minister responded, asserting that the government had made the process “as quick and easy as possible” at every stage.

The government has launched a Homes for Ukraine website for those wishing to accept refugees, with 43,800 people registering in the first five hours.

Cleverly continued: “We opened a program where British people could receive refugees in their own homes and we abandoned the normal immigration system whereby people could come to the UK. Brother. We are making it faster. We are making it easier. ”

But presenter Susanna was not convinced and replied: “I’m sorry to have picked you on it, but it wouldn’t be right to say that at every stage we make this the quickest and easiest thing to do. maybe.

“We’ve had pretty stymied visa requirements for these people and there’s been huge criticism of the Home Office.

“Not even the Home Secretary announced the housing policy yesterday. It’s not quick and easy. Our European neighbors have basically completely cut off the red ribbon.”

Smart replied: “Countries bordering Ukraine already have a massive influx of people across their borders – absolutely right when they facilitate the movement of people out of Ukraine.

“There are people moving around Europe right now and we want to make sure that we are here to host them and provide shelter and emotional support for them because of the trauma they have gone through. The plan we put in place is designed to do just that. ”

Housing and Communities Minister Michael Gove said the UK had a history of “supporting the most vulnerable in their darkest hours”.

He said there would be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who could enter the UK under the visa sponsor scheme, with each refugee household being provided with £350 a month, tax free.

Good Morning Britain airs at 6am on weekdays on ITV.