Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has stoked nuclear war anxiety across the globe.

The fighting has also prompted people in all London boroughs to visit their local donation points and offer any items they can.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold on TV screens, News Shopper spoke to Vicky Foxcroft, Labour MP for Lewisham Deptford & Shadow Minister for Disabled People, about everything from sanctions to Ukrainians living in Lewisham.

News Shopper: Are you worried about nuclear warfare?

Vicky Foxcroft: Yes I am worried, I think everyone is.

And I think that’s why we need to make sure that as a country we are doing everything possible to ensure that Russia’s attack comes to an end as soon as possible and we’re taking steps to de-escalate Putin’s aggression.

NS: Do you think we are doing enough in terms of sanctions?

VF: I think it’s Britain’s duty to meet Russia’s attack with the hardest possible sanctions.

Where the government have acted to sanction Russia, of course I support them, however I do think we could be doing more to put even more pressure on the Russian economy and Putin’s regime.

The sanctions should be wide-ranging to target Russia’s extractive industries and also tackle the network of illicit finance in the UK that is linked to Russia, so myself and my Labour colleagues will continue to push the government to adopt harsher measures against Putin.

NS: How many people from Ukraine live in Lewisham?

VF: As of 2021, there were just over 500 people in Lewisham who were born in Ukraine.

NS: Have you been hearing from them?

VF: We have had a number of people with family and friends currently in Ukraine contact the office about how they can help their loved ones.

We’ve been assisting them through sending out resources and advice we’ve got from the Home Office and Foreign Office and continue to update them as developments happen.

It’s been amazing and heart-warming to see the community response to the Ukraine crisis in Lewisham Deptford.

I have received hundreds of emails from constituents calling for stricter sanctions against Russia and an outpouring of support for Ukraine.

Many have emailed asking how they themselves can support Ukraine and help refugees and as a Borough of Sanctuary, Lewisham has been proactive in offering support.

For example, the Polish centre in Lewisham has been doing a donation drive for Ukrainian refugees, receiving a lot of support and contributions from the community.

I would also like to take this opportunity to promote Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which is taking monetary donations for a coordinated humanitarian appeal to help Ukrainian refugees.

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