Borders bill would treat Ukrainian refugees “as criminals”, ministers are warned

MPs have been briefed that the war could create five million refugees, while peers prepare to oppose legislation that may deny them safety.

By Anoosh Chakelian

Ukrainians trying to cross the border into Slovakia on 25 February. (Photo by Peter Lazar/AFP via Getty Images.)

British politicians have been warned that the Nationality and Borders Bill would endanger Ukrainian refugees before a crucial vote on Monday (28 February).

More than 50 charities, NGOs and aid agencies, led by the Refugee Council, said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine “illuminates the crucial flaw in the Nationality and Borders Bill”, in a letter published in the Times on 25 February, a longer version of which was sent to the New Statesman.