Benedict Cumberbatch says he will take part in ‘homes for Ukraine’ scheme

Benedict Cumberbatch wants to be part of the government’s “homes for Ukraine” scheme that will enable British people to take in Ukrainian refugees.

Speaking on the red carpet before the Baftas ceremony at the Albert Hall in London, where he is nominated for best leading actor for The Power of the Dog Cumberbatch urged for action to help Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion.

Wearing a badge of the Ukraine flag, Cumberbatch told Sky News: “It is a really shocking time to be a European, two and a half hours’ flight away from Ukraine, and it’s something that hangs over us.

“We all need … to do more than wear a badge. We need to donate, we need to pressure our politicians to continue to create some kind of a haven here for people who are suffering.

“Everyone needs to do as much as they can ... there’s been a record number of people volunteering to take people into their homes, I hope to be part of that myself.”

This morning, after criticism of the government’s slow response to the growing refugee crisis, levelling up secretary Michael Gove announced details of a “homes for Ukraine” scheme.

Households who host a Ukrainian refugee for six months will receive £350 a month of government funding; people will be able to register from Monday.

Earlier this week at the Santa Barbara film festival, Cumberbatch held up a Ukrainian flag in a gesture of support to the nation, and said “stand united for Ukraine”.

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