UK help for Ukrainian refugees appears grudging – be prepared for repeated U-turns

Britain’s response seems slow and limited compared to the EU – the government will face escalating pressure to amend and extend its offer if it holds this line, argues Andrew Woodcock

Refugees arriving at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, on 7 March (AP)

Boris Johnson has claimed the UK is taking a “very generous and open approach” towards the 1.7 million Ukrainians who have fled their country to escape Vladimir Putin’s brutal assaults on civilians.

The scale of the British response, however, is coming under increasingly intense scrutiny after Home Office figures indicated at the weekend that only 50 UK visas had been issued.

There was confusion in Whitehall on Monday as the prime minister suggested the figure was wrong, but could not provide a more accurate number.