BRAINTREE’S MP has been learning about life in the town for Ukrainian refugees after visiting a drop-in centre.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has remained steadfast in his support of Ukraine since the ongoing conflict with Russia began.

After assuming his new position in the short-lived Liz Truss Government, the MP remained as Foreign Secretary under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Mr Cleverly has reinforced his stance on the war and regularly voices his support for Ukraine's struggle while being critical of the Russian regime.

He visited a refugee drop-in centre in Braintree to get a better understanding of the plight Ukrainians face.

Mr Cleverly said it had been an opportunity to learn how the war is impacting native Ukrainians.

He said: “On Friday I attended a drop-in centre, run by Braintree District Council and Braintree Community centre, where I met some Braintree hosts and their Ukrainian guests.

“I heard how the war has affected the lives of Ukrainians who have found support in the Braintree district after being forced to flee their homes.

“I spoke to a number of Ukrainian women who shared their experiences, concerns and fears about the situation and loved ones back home.

“It was useful to gain insight from the host sponsors who have opened up their homes to Ukrainian guests as to the issues they have experienced and problems which they have encountered.”

Since the conflict began, millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge in other European nations, with the UK taking in thousands.

In a sponsorship scheme launched by the UK Government, residents across the country also opened their doors to Ukrainian families.

In the Braintree district, figures from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities showed there were 212 Ukrainian refugee households up to October 4 under the sponsorship scheme.

In recent months there have been concerns over increased homelessness brought on by families no longer being able to house refugees during the cost-of-living crisis.

Figures have since revealed three refugee households had been made homeless or put at risk of homelessness in the Braintree area as of September 23.