The quarterly report from Victoria Prentis, M.P.

The earthquakes in Turkey and Syria are deeply saddening and have put already struggling communities in a desperate situation. It is really difficult to take in the scale of the tragedy unfolding; more than 41,000 have been killed across the region and at least 25 million people have been affected. I know that many constituents are worried about family and friends at this tragic time. Our thoughts remain with them all.

As the evolving situation on the ground moves from rescue to recovery, I welcome the Government’s commitment of £25 million in new overseas aid which will fund additional emergency relief to help those affected begin to rebuild their lives. Our priority is to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those who need it most. Constituents who wish to help can continue donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee’sTurkey-Syria Emergency Appeal at www.dec.org.uk.It is vital that we continue to do all that we can to support the people of Turkey and Syria.

In February we also marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Thousands have been killed defending their country against this appalling onslaught and millions more have been forced from their homes.

President Zelenskyy’s historic address to both House of Parliament in Westminster Hall reminded us once again of the bravery and determination of the Ukrainian people. The war is still very real and traumatic. I am reminded of this most days by Vika who joined our family in March last year when she fled the shelling at home. Sometimes we hear the air raid sirens from Kyiv through her phone. We also regularly hear from her grandparents who are still living, mainly in their cellar, on the outskirts of Kherson.

Despite the circumstances, we are having a really happy experience with Vika. Like many hosts, we have been much more involved than we first expected and have found it very rewarding. Vika is now part of our family. Homes for Ukraine has so far welcomed 326 people to North Oxfordshire, but more help is needed as there are still many looking for places to live. Visit www.cherwell.gov.uk/ukrainesupport to find out more.

There are many other ways you can help: the UK Help for Ukraine unit at Castle Quay in Banbury need medical supplies, toiletries, generators and tools. If you can spare any of these items, then please donate them to the centre. The brilliant team of volunteers working from there need all the support they can get as they continue to transport much-needed supplies to the Ukrainian border.

Victoria Prentis