FRUSTRATION is being felt in the halls of Westminster as a lack of resource is hampering aid to the Ukraine.

John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle has joined Penrith and the Borders MP Neil Hudson in calling for a cutting of red tape around visas to support refugees from the Ukraine.

Speaking to the House of Commons on Wednesday, Secretary of State for Defence, Ben Wallace announced that the UK will supply yet more military aid to the Ukraine’s armed forces as they fend off invasion from Russian forces.

Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded the Ukraine on February 24 with shocking reports of civilian casualties.

Mr Hudson welcomed the news that the UK is increasing support but said that Government must “widen and accelerate” the visa system, cutting though red tape and ensuring fleeing Ukrainian civilians can seek refuge on our shores.

Mr Stevenson said: “We’ve got to get our administration right because I think that’s the fundamental problem.

“I just think the Home Office has got to allocate resources to dealing with visa applications, both here and in Europe to ensure there’s not unduly long waits.

“We need to allocate resources so that when someone makes an application from Ukraine to come here, its expediated.”

Mr Stevenson said that the tone in Westminster is one of frustration regarding the situation in the Ukraine while critics apply pressure over the availability of aid to civilians.

“I think there’s frustration that it just appears to be more of resource than anything.”

Mr Stevenson was present to hear an address to the House of Commons by the Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week.

Carlisle’s MP said: “He personifies the resilience and determination of Ukrainian people, our sympathies and support are totally with them.”

Mr Stevenson said that caution was needed when dealing with the unpredictable Russian leader but said: “The sanctions are going to bite, they’re going to hurt us but they’re going to hurt Russia more."