Rishi has welcomed Ukrainian families who have fled the war in their country to find sanctuary in North Yorkshire.
The Richmond (Yorks) MP hosted an event in Northallerton for Ukrainian refugees – along with their hosts.
Rishi, who has assisted with the refugees’ visa applications, spoke to all the families and their hosts individually before addressing them collectively – briefly in Ukrainian.
He said: “I want to welcome you to North Yorkshire and to say we are proud to be able to offer you a refuge from the terrible events unfolding in your country.
“As a nation we are horrified by Russia’s aggression and will do everything we possibly can to protect your country. I want to thank the host families for their generosity of spirit in providing practical and emotional support to our Ukrainian friends.”
Rishi also paid tribute to the work of the small team in his Northallerton constituency office who had liaised with the Home Office on a daily basis and kept the host families informed of progress with the visa process.
Michael Furse, who with his wife Jane welcomed a family to their home near Northallerton, said: "It was really heartening to see so many other sponsors and Ukrainians at this event. It’s nice to know we aren’t alone, and that so many have settled into the constituency is a testament to the diligence of the constituency office in helping us to sponsor successfully."
