David Hoare and Doric Bossom on the difficulties they are encountering in bringing young Ukrainians into the country
We are having a similar experience to Paul Hanlon and Rebecca Shepherd regarding refugees from Ukraine (‘It doesn’t make sense’: Ukrainian teenager left in limbo by Home Office, 29 May). We’re sponsoring a 17-year-old from Kyiv whose parents are unable to travel because of the need to care for his grandmother.
He speaks good English, and his mother has supplied a letter consenting to his travelling and staying with us, yet the Home Office isn’t processing his application. Also, local children’s services won’t do any checks as he’s not eligible for a visa as an unaccompanied minor. We are getting help from a solicitor, but it shouldn’t be difficult to safeguard him and others. My partner is a magistrate and I have had a series of criminal record checks over the years for my roles working with vulnerable people. One can’t help but think it’s all part of the Tories’ hostile environment.
David Hoare
Lewes, East Sussex
