Following her election victory in July 2024, British MP Catherine Fookes attended an event with Ukrainian families in Abergavenny within a year of taking office. The meeting made a lasting impression on her.
“It was incredibly moving and inspiring,” she recalls. “People spoke about housing, pensions, and children who now speak predominantly English or Welsh — and feel more at home here than in Ukraine. But the greatest concern was uncertainty about the future of the visa programme. That’s what I’m working on now — seeking clarity.”
Fookes became the MP for Monmouthshire with a clear majority, the first woman to represent the constituency in Parliament. Before entering politics, she spent ten years working in international organizations, notably with ActionAid, where she focused on food security issues in India and expanding access to education for girls around the world. It was there, working with women in rural communities, that she realized how central women are to family survival and resilience.
Catherine Fookes MP
“My experience taught me how important women’s role is in family life and society. But I also understand that I have never been a refugee. And no professional training can truly replicate that experience,” Catherine honestly acknowledges. “That’s why equality, justice, and support for those who need it most are key for me.”
During that meeting, one issue that particularly struck her concerned children. Parents shared how quickly their children had switched to English or Welsh. This evokes conflicting feelings — on one hand, it’s a sign of adaptation, and on the other — a source of concern about preserving their native language.
“They spoke about how children already feel more at home here in Monmouthshire than in Ukraine. On one hand, this shows how well our local communities have responded. On the other, I understand how painful that can be for parents,” she says.
Today, Catherine Fookes serves as a member of the Women and Equalities Committee in the House of Commons. The committee addresses issues including refugee rights, parental leave, and access to decent and stable work. One area that particularly interests her is the development of women’s entrepreneurship among Ukrainian displaced persons.
“It’s truly inspiring. They’re not just surviving — they’re creating new opportunities for themselves and for the local economy. And I want to help them not just survive, but thrive,” she notes.
“I’ll always do everything in my power to support local communities. Initiatives led by Ukrainian families are no exception. I know it’s not easy to find funding right now. But if I can help — I’ll suggest grants, support applications, connect people with partners.”
“I see great potential in areas such as craft products, environmental initiatives, and local farming. I’d love to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs start businesses and be successful — especially where it benefits the region’s economy,” she explains.
Catherine also speaks about Wales’ role in integrating communities that have relocated. She supports expanding the Senedd’s powers and highlights the efforts of local authorities in Monmouthshire.
“I’m proud that Wales is a nation of sanctuary. And that Abergavenny is a town of sanctuary. Monmouthshire County Council is working to become a full ‘County of Sanctuary,’ and that’s wonderful. We’ve already done a lot for Ukrainian integration — and we’ll continue that work.”
Support for Ukraine, she emphasizes, is not just a domestic policy issue. It’s a matter of values, foreign policy, and principled position.
“It’s very important to me that we support Ukraine. I’m proud that we have a Prime Minister who demonstrates leadership in Europe by supporting President Zelensky and working toward peace. We must stand up to the aggressor and continue fighting for a just peace — that’s the ultimate goal.”
“Russia’s invasion reminded the whole world how fragile peace is. We’re living in a more dangerous world, and the government is right to increase defense spending and support Ukraine — with weapons, finances, and solidarity.”
Regarding potential legislative changes that could improve the situation for Ukrainians in Great Britain, Catherine emphasizes the need for careful consideration of each initiative.
“I don’t want to make empty promises. Every decision must be thoughtful. But if changes genuinely help people integrate and build new lives — I’ll support them.”
Her work in the parliamentary committee, she says, allows her to raise these issues at the national level — especially in the context of supporting refugees, families, and access to stable work.
This dialogue — through words, actions, and intentions — gradually builds a bridge of trust between the community that has arrived and those who welcome them. And it’s precisely this kind of collaboration — without fanfare, but with respect — that gives a sense that Ukrainians in Wales are not temporary residents, but belong here.
By Viktor Moroz for Ukrainians.Wales
Published: July, 2025
