The Home Secretary stated that it was at the Conservative Party Spring Conference in Blackpool that it was “naive”To believe that women can’t be “covert operatives”.
Priti Patel defended strict checks on Ukrainian refugees, arguing that they could be Russian agents bringing biological arms into the UK.
The Home Secretary stated that it was at the Conservative Party Spring Conference in Blackpool that it was “naive”To believe that women can’t be “covert operatives”.
She also claimed that Vladimir Putin could use refugee flows as a way to send agents to Britain.
She said in her keynote speech: “I’ve been asked why couldn’t we suspend security checks on people escaping Putin’s war?
“Friends, in times of conflict, it is important to stay vigilant. From the briefings I get from intelligence and security services, I know that instability all around the globe brings with it greater dangers.”
“It was only four years ago that the Russian military intelligence services used chemical weapons on British soil.”
She went on: “A very small number can create utter chaos. Russia is a country that has been involved in covert hostile activities.
“And I’m afraid it is naive and misguided to think that only men can be covert operatives, or that refugee flows could not be subject to some form of exploitation.”
Ms Patel went on: “There are those who would come to our country, to this country, who mean us harm and who plot to strike at our very way of life.
“Our security and intelligence services have advised us to closely adhere to the processes we have set up.
“They mean we can help Ukrainians in need without making our country less safe.”
This comes just as the Home Office announced that 8,600 visas were granted under the family scheme to Ukrainians fleeing war.
Ms. Patel also added: “State threats and terrorism take many forms. They also thrive on indifference and appeasement and now we are seeing them bolstered by new types of targeted biological, chemical, cyber warfare, ransomware and online threats.
“Our duty is to protect our country’s interest and we will not let our eyes drift when it comes to safety and security in our country.”
Nadhim Zahawi, Education Secretary, stated that 100,000 schools were created for children fleeing Ukraine. Virtual lessons created during the coronavirus pandemic have been translated into Ukrainian.
Michael Gove, Levelling Up Secretary, confirmed that more than 150,000 homes have offered to host Ukrainian refugees. The majority of them have already made their way to Poland.
David Cameron, ex-prime minister, declared on Friday that he was driving. “small lorry”With supplies, to the Polish border of Ukraine
