PEOPLE in Bradford were split about whether they would house a refugee fleeing the war in Ukraine, with a range of reasons either way.
Readers of the Telegraph & Argus were asked if they would house a refugee fleeing the invasion of their homeland, with a huge response of more than 200 comments on the issue.
People were split fairly evenly on the issue, with some saying “it’s not refugees’ fault” they have had to flee, and they’d hope to be helped if they were in that situation.
However, some flat-out refused to help, with many saying they wouldn’t be willing to allow a stranger into their homes.
Many also cited the cost-of-living crisis, rising bills, and a lack of space in their homes as a reason why they were unable to help even though they wanted to; some also called on the wealthy who have large homes to be the first to help.
Millions – mainly women and children – have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded the country for safety in neighbouring European countries, which have all stepped up to provide humanitarian support since the war began.
The following comments came from people who said they would help:
Michael Kelly: “If I didn't have kids then absolutely.”
Kate Louise: “On the one hand yes because God forbid if we were ever in this situation, I'd like to think someone would help us, but on the other hand I can barely afford to feed my family and pay the bills as it is.”
Lindsey Spivey: “Absolutely if the cost of the extra food, gas and electricity was subsidised a bit.
“It's tough for normal day to day living for a lot of people without the extra mouths to feed and keep warm.”
Dominika Popko: “Yes I would, and many of people in my home country already did. Those in need are at the moment mainly women and children (sometimes even with pets).”
Caroline Cantrill: “If I had room yes but unfortunately my house is already overcrowded. Unless they were up for sleeping on a sofa or air bed.”
Robert Narey: “If we could we definitely would but live in a bungalow so not enough space.”
Sharon Leigh McKenzie: “No, I couldn't afford it unless the government funded us to help food wise then yes I probably would.”
Lindsey Hamilton: “Yes absolutely! Anyone who wouldn't is not right in head.”
Susan Smith: “Yes if I had the room none of this is their fault.”
Samantha Jade Potterton: “If I had space yes.”
Janice Grant Waddell: “If I was in a position to, yes I would.”
Shakeela Khaliq: “Yes, as one day it could be us.”
Liberty Nicos Sino-ag: “Yes, a big yes I’m going to ring this number today see how it is what requirements I need to do as my house is rented only but it’s a four-bedroom house now it’s only me and my don who still live in our house.”
These are some of the people who said they wouldn’t with a few giving their reasons:
Jennifer Sampson-Medley: “No, I wouldn’t take any stranger into the home. I would help in other ways though.”
Danny Bailey: “Nope won’t be happening.”
Qasim Sh: “Definitely not, I would never let anyone from any part of the world into my home.
“It’s just ludicrous, I would never jeopardise the safety of my family, you just can’t trust anyone from anywhere and that’s without being disrespectful.
“However, there’s other ways we can help but with the cost of living and extortion we face on a daily basis even that’s a tough one.”
Naila Umer Butt: “Maybe the rich MPs, the government, the Queen should do so first.”
Mohammed Waseem: “There are plenty of rooms in Buckingham Palace so maybe they should fill that up first.”
Will Conway: “With the cost of living at the moment maybe it should fall to the rich to help, not the ones that are in need themselves.”
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