A local council has recognised the 'swift response' of residents who have helped Ukrainian refugees create new lives in the UK.

In honour of Ukraine Independence Day (August 24), Buckinghamshire Council has reflected on the ways residents can continue to help those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.

Angela Macpherson, Deputy Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said she had been "deeply moved" by the plight of Ukrainians forced out of their country by the Russian invasion, which began exactly 18 months ago, and praised households in the county that had taken Ukrainian guests into their homes.

She said: “On 24 August the people of Ukraine mark their Independence Day, which will be exactly 18 months since Russia’s invasion, and 32 years since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

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"In March 2022, when the British Government launched two national schemes for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK and outlined the responsibilities for local government, Buckinghamshire Council quickly acted to put in place plans that, with the support of partners, would welcome families to Buckinghamshire and help them to make new lives in the county over the coming months, and years.

"I would like to thank the over 1,000 sponsors in Buckinghamshire who have opened their homes to Ukrainian guests. Together with the Council’s swift response we have welcomed, and will continue to welcome, individuals and families to the county in large numbers.

"Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones because of the current conflict.”