Hampshire County Council prepared to shelter Ukrainian refugees

HAMPSHIRE is prepared to take Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homeland, the county council has confirmed.

Russian forces continue to put pressure on the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, forcing many to flee and seek shelter abroad, writes David George of the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Much like the Taliban coup of Afghanistan, it is expected that some Ukranian refugees will seek shelter in the UK.

Hampshire County Council said it is prepared to offer support, should the government ask for it.

An HCC spokesperson said: "The county council, in common with the rest of the country, is watching the concerning situation developing in Ukraine.

"We would seek to assist the government, should this be asked of us, building on our experience of supporting refugees and evacuees from previous conflicts."

As of December last year, there were 171 Afghans living in bridging hotels across the county, waiting for long-term accommodation to be found by the Home Office.