Watch live: Boris Johnson takes PMQs as Govt comes under fire for Ukraine visas

9 March 2022, 11:44 | Updated: 10 March 2022, 07:23

Boris Johnson faces MPs at Prime Minister's Questions amid war in Ukraine | Watch Live

By Will Taylor

Boris Johnson will take PMQs as his Government comes under fire over Ukrainian refugees.

Just 760 visas have been granted as the Home Office tries to process 22,000 applications, it was confirmed on Wednesday morning.

Steps are being taken to try and improve the slow progress – which has been compared unfavourably to the ease refugees have found in European countries.

Read more: End visa requirements for Ukrainians fleeing war, ambassador urges

Some 2 million Ukrainians are thought to have fled the Russian invasion. Hundreds have crossed over to Calais to try and arrive in the UK.

A pop-up visa site has been set up in Lille, some 60 miles from Calais, while another has opened in Paris.

Read more: UK soldiers go AWOL to fight Putin's forces in Ukraine

Read more: Pictured: Fleeing family killed by Russians after image that sickened the world

There was criticism when a site in Rzeszów, Poland, near the Ukrainian border, shut its doors and failed to let a crowd of people in during sub-zero temperatures.

Many of them waved British passports as they tried to secure visas for loved ones. The door closure was laid at the feet of the property's owner.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK said at least 100,000 people could try join relatives in Britain under the Ukraine Family Scheme but he criticised the process for visas.

Vadym Prystaiko told the Commons Home Affairs Committee: "To process visas, there were always bureaucratic hassles.

"I have to tell you that even when I was coming here as ambassador I got my visa on time, [but] although I was already approved by your Government, my wife didn't have it.

"So even simple things like that - the bureaucracy is so tough."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Emma Webber, the mother of Barnaby Webber (left) and Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Grace O'Malley Kumar during a memorial walk to lay flowers in Nottingham, to mark the second anniversary of their murders.

'Cover-ups' and 'mistruths' surrounding care of Nottingham attack killer, Barnaby Webber's mother claims

David Beckham has been awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours.

David Beckham receives knighthood as Strictly hosts and Luke Littler made MBEs in King's Birthday Honours

A protest against proposals for a new Chinese embassy will take place from 2pm at Royal Mint Court, near the capital’s financial district, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to gather in Parliament Square at the same time.

Demonstrators set to gather for multiple protests against Chinese Embassy and Gaza conflict in London on Saturday

he Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence.

Keir Starmer voices 'grave concerns' over Iran’s nuclear programme in call with Donald Trump

Rapper O hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, will be represented by a team that includes Gareth Peirce, solicitor for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange during his fight against US extradition, and Rosalind Comyn.

'We are ready for this fight': Kneecap’s legal team for court battle to include Julian Assange lawyer

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, June 13, 2025.

40 people hospitalised in Israel after Iran vows to 'inflict heavy blows' with retaliatory strikes

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, visit to the University College London Hospital (UCLH).

NHS to slash waiting lists by sending patients straight to GPs for treatment

Exclusive
Lottie Tomlinson has shared her experience of grief with LBC in hopes to encourage others to open up and seek support.

‘My grief has been a long journey of healing’ - Louis Tomlinson’s sister shares heartbreaking experience with LBC

Former GB News presenter Laurence Fox at Woolwich Crown Court in London.

Laurence Fox faces trial in 2026 accused of encouraging Ulez camera destruction

The Prime Minister has said he has “grave concerns” about Iran’s nuclear programme as he backed Israel ’s right to self defence

Starmer urges restraint as Israel strikes Iran again in escalating Middle East crisis

CCTV footage shows the man sitting on the chair, which immediately bends back into the wall.

Tourist damages crystal-covered 'Van Gogh' chair in Verona museum after climbing on it for photo

Maurizio Cattelan: “America” a solid gold toilet installed on the fourth floor of the Guggenheim museum in New York City. United States of America.

Two men who stole £4.75 million gold toilet from house where Churchill was born jailed for more than six years

These funds were used to purchase three Tesla cars, a Mini Cooper and a Nissan Qashqai, Teesside crown court heard

Army sergeant jailed after stealing £336,000 of MoD funds to buy Teslas, hair transplant and 'adult services'

Handout photo issued by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales of Alexander Dighton from Llantrisant

Man who attacked officers with Molotov cocktails and a knife jailed for life

.

British tourist missing in Brazil after vanishing from Airbnb

A burnt-out and boarded up property that was damaged on Monday evening in violence in Ballymena, during a protest. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers.

Families in emergency accommodation following days of Ballymena unrest