Certainty for Ukrainian Children Living in the UK

Submitted by: Young Liberals
Mover: Lisa Smart MP (Spokesperson for Home Affairs).
Summation: Rowan Fitton.

Conference notes:

1. That the Ukrainian people continue to resist Russia’s war of aggression, despite waning support from the USA.
2. Since the start of the full–scale invasion in 2022, many Ukrainian families have decided to seek refuge in the UK.
3. The Children’s Commissioner for England has supported calls to re–introduce a GCSE in the Ukrainian language.

Conference further notes with concern:

1. That many Ukrainians have faced uncertainty and instability due to the UK Government’s decision not to automatically extend their visa status.
2. Due to uncertainty over their status in the UK, many Ukrainians have been unable to accept offers of employment or agree rental leases and many Ukrainian parents have expressed concerns over their children being uprooted in the middle of their education.
3. Research has shown that many Ukrainian children are facing delays and disruption to their education due to the long waits to enrol in local schools.

Conference believes that:

1. The UK has a proud history of welcoming both immigrants and refugees.
2. The UK must not waver in its support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in their fight against Russian aggression, their resistance to the full–scale invasion, and their right to self–determination and sovereignty.
3. Certainty of status is essential for Ukrainians who have come to the UK under the Ukraine Scheme to be able to rebuild their lives, help them to integrate into British society and contribute to our economy and local communities.
4. Certainty of status is essential for Ukrainian children who have come to the UK under the Ukraine Scheme to have the opportunity to flourish and achieve their full potential in education and examinations.
5. The re–establishment of academic qualifications in Ukrainian language would support academic attainment amongst displaced Ukrainians and help sustain links to linguistic and cultural heritage.
6. The creation of accessible and legal routes to asylum for all refugees and asylum seekers must be a priority.
7. No family should face the prospect of being separated due to the UK’s asylum policies.

Conference calls for:

1. The UK Government to automatically extend visas for Ukrainians already granted status and residing in the UK.
2. The UK Government to establish a pathway to indefinite leave to remain for Ukrainians who have integrated into life in the UK and wish to remain long–term.
3. The Government to work to ensure that Ukrainian pupils and other children with experience of forced displacement do not face delays in school enrolment and have access to trauma–informed support.
4. The re–establishment of GCSEs and A–levels in Ukrainian language.
5. Ukrainian–language books and educational materials to be available in schools and libraries.
6. The Government to support Ukrainian cultural, educational, and linguistic initiatives for Ukrainian children whilst they reside in the UK.
7. The Government to provide guidance and support for Ukrainians living in the UK to access further and higher education, including apprenticeships.
8. The UK Government to provide support to displaced Ukrainians residing in the UK who wish to voluntarily resettle in safe areas of Ukraine.

Applicability: Federal except for 3–7 (lines 49–62) which are England only.

Mover: 5 minutes; all other speakers: 3 minutes. For eligibility and procedure for speaking in this debate, see pages 6-7 of the agenda. You can submit a speaker's card online here from Monday 15 September up to 16.30 Monday 22 September or in person.

The deadline for amendments to this motion is 13.00 Monday 8 September; you can submit amendments online here, see pages 9–10 of the agenda for more information. Those selected for debate will be printed in Conference Extra and Monday’s Conference Daily. The deadline for requests for separate votes is 09.00 Sunday 21 September; you can request separate votes here, see page 5 of the agenda for more information.