The government’s website enabling people to register their interest in housing a Ukrainian refugee under a new sponsorship scheme has gone down within minutes of launching.

       Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove announced that the scheme would offer those who provide a home for refugees a monthly payment of ￡350, and that a website had been launched for registration as he was speaking.

       But within moments, the link to the registration page was broken, leading users to a page stating that the site “cannot be reached”.

       (screen grab)

       The scheme went live on Monday after weeks of criticism over the government’s handling of the refugee crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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       Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Gove said the scheme would allow Ukrainian’s with no family links to come to the UK and benefit from “unrestricted access” to benefits, employment and health care.

       He added there would be “no limit” to the number of Ukrainian’s who can benefit from the scheme.

       The Independent is raising money for the people of Ukraine – if you would like to donate then please click here for our GoFundMe page.

       Following the announcement, Labour MP Mike Kane pointed out that the website had crashed, noting that the ITV journalist Paul Brand had reported that is was not working and that the site could not be reached.

       In response, Mr Gove appeared to deny the claim, saying: “I’m very sorry if Paul Brand’s internet connection is wonky. It seems as though the connection for my honourable friend the member for Rutland and Melton is superior – she has just signed up.”

       The homepage website, which is still working, states: “Sponsors should provide accommodation for as long as they are able, but we have a minimum expectation of six months.

       “Someone is eligible for the scheme if they are a Ukrainian national or the immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, and were resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January 2022.”

       It adds those members of the public with a person they wish to sponsor should get in contact with them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application, which will go live on 18 March, with all their details.

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       “If you don’t know anyone who you wish to sponsor you may wish to get in touch with charities, faith groups or local community organisations who are starting to make connections between individuals,” it states.

       The Independent has a proud history of campaigning for the rights of the most vulnerable, and we first ran our Refugees Welcome campaign during the war in Syria in 2015. Now, as we renew our campaign and launch this petition in the wake of the unfolding Ukrainian crisis, we are calling on the government to go further and faster to ensure help is delivered. To find out more about our Refugees Welcome campaign, click here. To sign the petition click here. If you would like to donate then please click here for our GoFundMe page.