A Norfolk MP has called for the government to extend the Ukrainian asylum scheme.

North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker has pleaded with the government to continue the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Mr Baker, who is hosting refugees Anna Kolomiichuk and her son Sviatik at his Aylmerton home, gave an emotional contribution in parliament on Tuesday, urging the government to “help these people until the end”.

He said: “What pains me the most about this whole war – and of course there are many, many things we find so painful – is that it shouldn’t be me who is teaching a little boy to ride his bicycle. 

"It shouldn’t be me taking him to school for the first day. It shouldn’t be me taking him fishing. And it it shouldn’t be me that on Christmas day when he gets a football who says: ‘Will you play with me?’

"It should be his father."

North Norfolk News: At a yard sale in Holt to support Ukrainians were, from left, Maureen and Roger Seekings with Duncan Baker, his daughter Eleanor and Anna and Sviatik Kolomiichuk.At a yard sale in Holt to support Ukrainians were, from left, Maureen and Roger Seekings with Duncan Baker, his daughter Eleanor and Anna and Sviatik Kolomiichuk. (Image: Supplied by Duncan Baker)

READ MORE: Ukrainian mum and son settle into Norfolk MP's home

“So, if there’s one thing that this government can do, it’s to damn well help these people until the end.

“We owe it to them, we owe it to a nation to carry on, because these people have problems of their own to deal with – the trauma of being separated from your own family for this length of time.

“They don’t need any more worry about: ‘Is the British government going to send them back home when it’s not safe?’ – and it isn’t safe.”

He added: “In February 2023, when I stood on the side of a road in Lviv, because that was the safest part to go to, I made a promise to Sviatik’s father.

“I said: ‘I’ll look after your boy, until it’s time to come home.’ Please, don’t break that promise.”

READ MORE: Duncan Baker 'amazed' by response to Ukraine generators campaign

Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove said Ukrainians will be informed of all options available to them at least 12 months before their visas expire.

He said the government is “actively working” through the issue.