Thousands of Glaswegians have signed a petition urging the UK Government to waive visa requirements for Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian military invasion.
Some 9,728 people in 59 Westminster constituencies covering the nation have supported the online petition to make it easier for those escaping the war to come to the UK.
Of these, more than 1,600 were in Glasgow constituencies, with hundreds protesting the invasion at George Square demonstrations in recent weeks, including this afternoon (March 5).
More than a million people have fled Ukraine in the week since Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion of the country, with millions more expected to be displaced.
Bordering nations such as Poland, Hungary and Moldova have so far received the highest numbers of civilians uprooted by the violence.
Meanwhile, the EU is set to grant Ukrainians forced to leave their homes the right to live and work in the bloc for up to three years, as well as access to welfare and healthcare services.
But the UK Government has faced criticism for not going as far as some other countries in its commitment to help those affected.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would increase the number of Ukrainians who are eligible to come to the UK.
British nationals and people settled in the UK will now be able to bring parents, grandparents, adult children and siblings from Ukraine to join them, as well as immediate family.
Mr Johnson also revealed plans for businesses and communities to sponsor people to come to the country.
However, many people – including several Conservative MPs – have called on the Government to go further.
The petition, which is titled “Waive visa requirement for Ukrainian refugees”, was launched on parliament.uk on February 28.
It says: “Join other nations in providing a route to safety for refugees. Waive all visa requirements for Ukrainian passport holders arriving in the UK.
“They are war refugees, our hands are tied to assist with boots on the ground, let us give the people of Ukraine a safe place for their families and children to flee to.”
Across the UK, more than 100,000 people have given their support to the petition, which means it will be considered for a debate in Parliament.
Commenting on government measures earlier this week, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Our Ukrainian Humanitarian Route will allow families to be reunited in the UK and our bespoke sponsor route will give safety to Ukrainians who have sadly been forced to flee their homes.
“This agile response to the despicable Russian invasion is living proof of our New Plan for Immigration in action – doing what is fair and right to support people in genuine need.”
