I asked Sussex MPs if they’d house a Ukrainian refugee, and this is what they said

The Homes for Ukraine scheme allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia by offering a place to live.

Nearly 100,000 signed up in the first day, with each household housing a refugee to be offered £350 a month, tax-free.

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They will not be expected to provide food and living expenses but can choose to offer this.

People who wish to offer a rent-free space in their home or a separate residence, for at least six months, can register their interest online.

They will be able to individually sponsor a Ukrainian national's visa from Friday. Initial applications will rely on the applicant knowing a named individual from Ukraine they want to help.

Ukrainian refugees with no links to the UK can and will be hosted as part of the scheme, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove said.

The scheme will be expanded with the support of charities, community groups and churches who can help with matching refugees to hosts.

No timescale has been announced for when this will happen, but Mr Gove said it would expand "rapidly".

In response to the Homes for Ukraine scheme, The Argus asked all the MPs in Sussex whether they would house a Ukrainian refugee.

This is how they responded.

Chichester MP Gillian Keegan

“I can confirm Gillian has registered with the Homes for Ukraine scheme,” a spokeswoman said.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas

Did not respond.

Hove MP Peter Kyle

“Peter was an aid worker in the Balkans during the war in the 1990s, so knows full well, first-hand the effects of fighting,” a spokesman said.

“Unfortunately, he lives in a studio flat in Hove and therefore cannot take a refugee in.”

Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Did not respond.

Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley

“Yes, we would consider offering help to refugees from Ukraine.”

Crawley MP Henry Smith

Did not respond.

Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell

"Unfortunately, my circumstances do not allow me to take part as I do not have a spare bedroom."

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield

Did not respond.

Hastings and Rye MP Sally-Ann Hart

“The resilience shown by ordinary Ukrainians in the face of Russian aggression is both humbling and inspiring, and it is only right that we in the United Kingdom offer them assistance in their greatest hour of need as we have done for many other peoples throughout our proud history. 

“That is why I strongly welcome the government’s recent launch of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and it is excellent to see that so many people have already registered their interest in supporting those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“Since the outbreak of war, I have been doing all that I can as an MP to help and will keep doing so as the situation develops, including through the Scheme if my family and I are able to do so.”

Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman

Did not respond.

Wealden MP Nusrat Ghani

Did not respond.

Arundel and South Downs MP Andrew Griffith

“I have been a strong advocate of this scheme and I am delighted by the response so far.

“Genuine acts of charity should not be paraded in public so I will not be commenting on my own actions, but my heart goes out to those affected and I will be doing what I can personally to support.”

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Nick Gibb

Did not respond.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton

Did not respond.

Horsham MP Jeremy Quin

Did not respond.

Mid Sussex MP Mims Davies

“The invasion of the Ukraine by Russian military forces is an absolutely horrific and heartbreaking situation for us all to witness.

“I'm aware that some of my MP colleagues have already registered their interest in this scheme and I greatly commend them for this.

“I do not have separate London accommodation - I only stay in Westminster when absolutely necessary for work purposes.

“As a working mum splitting time between Westminster and Mid Sussex, I'm not currently personally in a position to offer accommodation and the time plus support which is perhaps needed practically at this point.”

The UK Government has launched a new site for those wanting to host a Ukrainian refugee

The government has faced criticism over the speed and scale of its response to the refugee crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including from its own MPs.

Around three million people have fled Ukraine since Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion.

Hosts will be offered £350 a month for up to 12 months, regardless of how many individuals they support.

Only one payment can be made per residential address.

Newsquest, publisher of The Argus, is pledging to donate 5p of every daily newspaper sold on Thursday, March 17, to the Red Cross DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal, which is dedicated to helping and saving those affected by this horrific and bloody war. We’re asking you to join us.