UK announces changes to Ukrainian visa scheme

Ukrainians with passports will no longer need to go to a visa application centre to give their biometrics before they go to the UK

Home Secretary Priti Patel speaking to the media outside the Ukrainian embassy in London (PA)

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised a streamlined online visa application system for Ukrainians seeking to flee the war with Russia in response to criticism of her approach to the crisis.

She told MPs the changes will come in from Tuesday following assurances from the security services that the UK can still be protected from Russian efforts to infiltrate the country by posing as Ukrainian refugees.