A Tory MP has suggested that Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion could apply for the temporary worker program to enter the UK.

Kevin Foster, MP for Torbay, was responding to the Labor Party’s shadow minister for the armed forces, Luke Pollard, in an exchange on Twitter.

Pollard expressed concern that Ukrainians fleeing the conflict still have to apply for visas to enter the UK, which other countries, including Ireland and Portugal, have waived in response to the invasion.

He wrote: “I am looking for a route for people fleeing Ukraine who may not have family ties to the UK. We have a moral obligation to help them. Will you now change your policy to do just that? »

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Tory MP Kevin Foster responded, in a now-deleted tweet, saying: “As you are well aware, there are a number of routes, including our guest worker scheme, which you will remember from your Shadow Defra days, to which Ukrainians are entitled. , along the familiar path for those who have family here.”

MP Kevin Foster has now replaced his previous message with the simpler: “Hello Luke. This is just one route and we will do more as the PM has made clear.

The tweet, which has now been deleted by Foster, was widely criticized on social media, with Leeds Labor and Co-operative MP Alex Sobel responding: “Kevin, he’s under you. I hope he can apologize to the people of Ukraine who are fleeing for their lives and join the voices calling on the UK to match what our European friends are offering to the downtrodden masses of Ukraine.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon responded to Mr Foster’s words, saying: “I hope we get clarification as soon as possible, Priti Patel, that this is not an inside ministry position.”

“Temporary migrant workers make a valuable contribution to our economy, but it is not the route to the UK that we should expect those seeking to flee war to trust. »

Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary, said: “My God. People are fleeing war in Europe like we haven’t seen for generations, looking for a quick refuge.

“However, the Immigration Minister says the answer is that they should apply to pick British fruit and vegetables. »

Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced visa concessions for Ukrainians already in Britain for work, study and tourism, extending the period before they must leave the country.

But there has been no announcement of a resettlement plan or other measures in response to an expected exodus of refugees.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, asked about UK support for Ukrainians fleeing their country, said on Saturday night: “Of course we will welcome refugees. This country has played a historic and proud role in hosting refugees from all conflicts.

the independents welcome to the refugees The campaign is calling on the UK government to set up a resettlement scheme to give Ukrainians fleeing invasion sanctuary in Britain.