LIZ TRUSS was accused of passing the buck today after she blamed Priti Patel for the government’s chaotic Ukraine refugee scheme.

Grilled by MPs yesterday over the fact that just 50 visas have been granted to Ukrainians with family members in Britain so far, the Foreign Secretary brushed off the issue as a “matter for the Home Secretary.”

Her comments came in response to Labour MP Chris Bryant, who asked if she was ashamed that other countries had taken in tens of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of the country while Britain had accepted just 50. 

Later asked if she was passing the buck, as Ukrainians must apply for visas at posts run by the Foreign Office, as in Afghanistan,  Ms Truss told the foreign affairs select committee: “I believe that’s a Home Office responsibility that operates out of our post.” 

Ukrainian refugees must apply for visas before entering Britain, which requires submitting biometric details and arranging an appointment with the Home Office.

Only Ukrainians with ties to Britain, either through family or a sponsorship scheme can apply. 

The committee heard that a new pop-up visa application centre has been opened by the Foreign Office on the Polish border, which is preparing to take 6,000 visa appointments a week, but ministers could not give details on its opening hours. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied reports yesterday that Ms Patel was considering opening a new humanitarian route for Ukrainian refugees. He insisted that the government would not have a system “where people can come into the UK without any checks or any controls at all.”