(Worsley and Eccles South)
(Lab): As the Prime Minister mentioned, President Zelensky
attended the G7 summit. One thing that I understand is important
to him is that Ukrainian culture has an audience across the
world, yet there are concerns that musicians from
the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra and the National Symphony
Orchestra of Ukraine will not be able to tour the UK later this
year because of the heavy financial and administrative burden of
obtaining UK visas. The Prime Minister will understand that
funding visa fees and travelling to obtain visas is so much more
difficult for musicians in
war-torn Ukraine. Last year, the Home Office agreed to waive visa
fees and expedite the visa process to allow
Ukrainian musicians to
perform here. Does he agree that Ukrainian musicians still
deserve that support? Will he ask the Home Secretary to ensure
that we offer that support as we stand with Ukraine?
The Prime Minister: With regard to Ukrainian culture in
particular, it was a great pleasure for us to host Eurovision on
Ukraine’s behalf, which was a fantastic success and was warmly
welcomed by the Ukrainian Government and President Zelensky. I am
happy to look into the matter that the hon. Member raises, but as
she will understand, our overwhelming priority right now is to
support Ukraine to ensure that its counter-offensive is
successful. That will occupy the bulk of our attention.
