Immigration lawyers have launched an advice service to provide free help and support to Ukrainians seeking refuge in the UK in the wake of the Russian invasion. Over a hundred lawyers have registered with the Ukraine Advice Project UK since it was set up this week.

Through its website, ukraine@freemovement.org.uk, it aims to connect those needing help with specialist lawyers.

It was set up by barristers Jennifer Blair, of No 5 Chambers, Miranda Butler, at Landmark Chambers, Simon Cox, at Doughty Street Chambers, and solicitors Alex Piletska at Turpin Miller in Oxford and John Vassiliou, at Scottish law firm Shepherd & Wedderburn.

The project, which is supported by CJ McKinney of Free Movement, is calling more lawyers to help. It has already received more than 100 requests for advice. It tweeted: 'We are working hard to allocate as many as possible. Please bear with us as we are currently facing high demand.'

The group said that its efforts are a 'short-term response', which may be handed over to another organisation better placed to coordinate pro bono help in the medium term.

Unlike many EU countries, the Home Office has not waived visa requirements for Ukrainians wanting to come to the UK, though it introduced concessions yesterday to allow a broader range of people with relatives in the UK to enter the country.

The lawyers' group started following a tweet at the weekend from Cox, saying: 'Calling Ukrainians arriving at UK borders without a long-term UK visa! If you have any problems at immigration control, and you don’t have/ can’t get a lawyer, my DMs are open this weekend. Me & colleagues will find you a lawyer to help you stay in the UK til it’s safe to leave.'

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