UK's help for Ukraine refugees called 'a disgrace'

One of Britain's most popular radio hosts has lambasted his government's response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Nick Ferrari of the radio station LBC called the situation "a disgrace". The UK has two visa schemes running to help refugees relocate to the UK. The government said it had received 79,800 visa applications from Ukrainians and had thus far issued 40,900 visas. However, a paltry 12,000 refugees had arrived in Britain. Poland has taken in nearly 3 million refugees and Germany has taken in 300,000. The UK's neighbour Ireland, with a population one-twelfth of that of Britain's, has welcomed over 20,000 refugees. The UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel has apologised for what she called the "frustrating" situation.

Nick Ferrari did not hold back in his criticism of his government's response. He called on the whole government to be fired. He said: "It's an absolute scandal.…This is beyond comprehension. How can this level of incompetence survive? Sack the whole…lot of them." Mr Ferrari was particularly irked by the visa application process, which includes Ukrainians wanting refuge in the UK having to fill out a 51-page online application form in English. He also castigated the government for its mountain of red tape. Over 200,000 Britons have applied to accept a refugee into their home, but excessive bureaucracy means applications are rejected if a home has a garden pond. Many say the UK's visa schemes are set up to fail.