🇺🇦 Resettlement of Ukrainians: Coatbridge

• Recognition of Ukrainian Resettlement Efforts: The session focused on the resettlement of Ukrainians in Coatbridge, highlighting the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the UK’s united stance against it. The debate showcased the efforts of local authorities, governments, and ordinary citizens in supporting Ukrainian refugees.

• North Lanarkshire’s Warm Scots Welcome Programme: In June 2022, North Lanarkshire council, in partnership with the central government, launched the Warm Scots Welcome programme. This initiative involved renovating 200 empty flats in Coatbridge and Wishaw to provide permanent accommodation for 400 Ukrainians. The programme also included health and education support facilitated by a cross-agency network.

• Community Integration and Support: The resettlement team in North Lanarkshire was praised for its long-standing efforts in supporting refugees from various countries, including the Congo, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and now Ukraine. The successful integration of Ukrainians into the Coatbridge community was highlighted, with examples of cultural events and community engagement.

• Employment and Education Opportunities: Ukrainian refugees have been integrated into the workforce and education system. Examples include employment at local businesses and schools accommodating Ukrainian children, some of whom are learning English from scratch. The session also mentioned the Ukrainian kids club, supported by the Mission of Innocents, providing a safe environment for children.

• Cultural Celebrations and Community Enrichment: The Ukrainian community in Coatbridge has actively participated in cultural events, such as Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations and nativity performances, enriching the local community and maintaining their cultural heritage.

• Visa Concerns and Future Support: There was discussion about the uncertainty surrounding the 18-month visa extensions for Ukrainian refugees. The government’s Ukraine permission extension scheme was mentioned, which offers an additional 18 months of stay, but concerns were raised about its impact on those wishing to pursue further education.

• Government and Community Solidarity: The session emphasized the UK government’s ongoing support for Ukraine, including the UK-Ukraine 100-year partnership agreement aimed at fostering long-term collaboration. The debate also acknowledged the generosity of the British public and the efforts of local councils and communities in supporting Ukrainian refugees.

• Calls for Sharing Best Practices: There was a call to share best practices across the country to improve responses to crises and support refugees effectively. The success of North Lanarkshire’s resettlement efforts was suggested as a model for other regions.

The session on the resettlement of Ukrainians in Coatbridge displayed minimal disagreement among the participants. The debate was characterized by a high level of consensus and support for the efforts to resettle Ukrainian refugees. Here are the key points supporting this assessment:

1. Unanimous Support: All speakers, including Frank McNally, Jim Shannon, Kirsteen Sullivan, Alison Taylor, Lillian Jones, Patricia Ferguson, Blair McDougall, and Seema Malhotra, expressed strong support for the resettlement efforts in Coatbridge and across the UK. There were no dissenting voices or criticisms of the program.

2. Positive Interventions: Interventions from other MPs, such as Jim Shannon’s commendation of the debate and the efforts in his own constituency, and Kirsteen Sullivan’s emphasis on sharing best practices, were all positive and supportive. For example, Jim Shannon said, “I commend the hon. Gentleman for an absolutely superb Adjournment debate, because every one of us can say ‘Hear, hear’ to what he is doing in his constituency.”

3. Ministerial Response: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, Seema Malhotra, also expressed gratitude and support for the efforts, stating, “I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Bellshill (Frank McNally) for securing this important Adjournment debate on the issue of displaced Ukrainians here in the UK.” She further acknowledged the contributions of various constituencies and the government’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.

4. No Contradictory Statements: Throughout the session, there were no contradictory statements or arguments against the resettlement program. Even when discussing the visa extension scheme, the Minister addressed concerns raised by Mike Martin about further education without any opposition, indicating a willingness to work on solutions.

5. Focus on Collaboration and Best Practices: The session focused on sharing best practices and celebrating the success of the resettlement efforts, as highlighted by Frank McNally’s mention of the awards received by North Lanarkshire’s resettlement team and the cultural integration efforts.

Given these points, the session is rated a 1 for disagreement, indicating a very low level of disagreement and a high level of consensus among the participants.