OLDHAM MPs have shared their frustration over the process of allowing family members of Ukrainians in the UK to find safety in the country amid the Russian invasion.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said immediate family members will be able to join Ukrainians settled in the UK as they flee the conflict.

But concerns were raised that wider family members would not be allowed to seek refuge.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said it is “shameful” for the government to “refuse to even help other relatives in a terrible European war like this”.

On social media, Ms Cooper also shared a post pointing out government advice for applying for a free family migration visa did not include wider family members.

In response to the post, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner, who represents Failsworth and Ashton, added: "Shameful response by the government here in the UK.

"We are better than this."

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon also shared his thoughts about the matter.

He said: "The lack of planning and foresight is beyond words.

"We cannot carry on making it up as we go along, too often falling short of what is needed.

"Boris. It’s time to step up."

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said she has been “pressing ministers in the Foreign Office and Home Office for nearly a month to make access to visas and travel documents for UK nationals and their families easier”.

She said: “I am pleased there is an effort to streamline the process, but believe ministers could, and should, have acted far more quickly.”

Ms Abrahams added: "I’m grateful to everyone who has contacted me so far and for the humanity and kindness they have shown for the distress of the Ukrainian people.

"I’d particularly like to thank those of you who have offered to open up their homes to Ukrainian refugees.

“This is the Oldham and Saddleworth I’m so proud to serve."

Defence Minister Ben Wallace said on Monday that the move to allow immediate family members to join Ukrainians settled in the UK is only a “first step”

A government spokesperson said: “This country has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it.

"We are working around the clock to process visa applications and are processing many applications in a matter of hours.

“We are working with other European countries to ensure that responses to any migration issues are practical and in the best interests of the Ukrainian people.”