Speaking in the House of Commons the Upper Bann MP asked the Home Secretary; “I thank the Secretary of State for her tireless efforts in these difficult days. Many missionaries from Northern Ireland and the whole United Kingdom are serving in Ukraine and helping those in need. Likewise, the local response of gathering practical aid in my constituency is humbling and commendable. Can the Minister tell us what is being done to work with the extensive church networks in Ukraine to deliver and distribute much-needed aid to those who are in need?” 

In response the Home Secretary said; “The Honourable Member makes a very important point. In fact, that was part of the conversation I had today with the ambassador. Aid in country is needed—it is absolutely needed—and getting aid into the country is a challenge. We should just be honest and level about this. It is not straightforward: with all the restrictions and the situation on the ground, it is very difficult. I just want to thank the missionaries and commend their work and that of all third parties. They are risking their lives to save other people’s lives. A lot of work is taking place in this area, and the FCDO is leading on that humanitarian work. However, I want to emphasise that this is a very difficult area, and it is getting harder right now to get aid to people. This is exactly why the United Nations, the Red Cross and other agencies are really pulling together and coming together to help people in country.” 

Speaking following the intervention Ms Lockhart said, “It is important that practical aid collected in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK gets to those who need it. Therefore it is vital that the UK Government assist those on the ground in Ukraine who are endeavouring to support those most in need. The church network in Ukraine is working to help those in need and because of this they are in great danger. I will be pursuing this matter with the Home Secretary and would encourage anyone who finds that they are experiencing difficulties to immediately make contact. It is vital that support mechanisms operating in Ukraine are underpinned by Government assistance to keep those providing it safe, and to allow for easy access of practical goods collected here in Northern Ireland and across the UK, to Ukraine or the surrounding countries namely Poland. It is truly humbling to witness the outpouring of support for the people of Ukraine. We must continue to stand in solidarity with them and ensure that our UK Government go over and above to support these innocent victims. It is a moral obligation for the UK Government to provide refuge and aid to those who need it.”