Boris Johnson has appointed a new Refugees Minister as the Government battles criticism over its chaotic response to Ukrainians seeking sanctuary from the Russian invasion.
Former Business Minister Richard Harrington, who stood down at the 2019 election, will be made a life peer so he can hold the new job.
The move is a clear admission that ministers have been too slow to act on the unfolding refugee crisis as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians flee Vladimir Putin's brutal onslaught.
The Home Office has come under fierce criticism for failing to follow other European countries who have waived strict visa rules for Ukrainian refugees.
Only 500 visas have been issued since Friday to Ukrainians with family in the UK - and it emerged that people arriving in Calais were being told to go to Paris or Brussels to get their visas.
Two million people have fled Ukraine, according to the United Nations refugee agency.
The Government let slip that a visa centre being hurriedly rushed up near Calais will be in Lille - 70 miles away.
Tory MPs lined up to challenge Immigration Minister Kevin Foster in the Commons on Tuesday, who blasted the Government for moving too slowly.
Downing Street said: "The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Richard Harrington as a Minister of State (Minister for Refugees) jointly in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the Home Office.
"Her Majesty has also been pleased to signify Her intention of conferring a peerage of the United Kingdom for Life on Richard Harrington."
Mr Harrington was one of the Brexit rebels kicked out of the party by the Prime Minister in 2019 for refusing to support his Brexit strategy.
Justice Minister Victoria Atkins will relinquish her role as Minister for Afghan Resettlement following his appointment, No10 said.
