Issue - meetings

That this Exeter City Council, condemns and cannot condone the actions of the Russian Government in invading the independent sovereign state of Ukraine. This Council condemns all acts of aggression against any state against another and its people.

This Council resolves:-

-        That Exeter stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Council agrees to immediately suspend its civic relationship with Yaroslavl;

-        That it be noted that the Leader of the Council will write to Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, offering the City’s support for the people of Ukraine in these difficult times;

-        That it be noted that the Leader of the Council has written to the Home Secretary advising her that Exeter has always been a City which welcomes refugees from all over the world in their hour of need, and it would support the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees and urges the UK Government to consider an urgent review into the criteria to be applied to those Ukrainian citizens who are seeking asylum in the UK.

-        That appropriate arrangements be made, in co-operation with Inclusive Exeter, to extend and engage support for the Ukrainian community in Exeter.

The Leader, Councillor Bialyk, seconded by Councillor Packham, moved a Notice of Motion in the following terms:-

“That this Exeter City Council, condemns and cannot condone the actions of the Russian Government in invading the independent sovereign state of Ukraine. This Council condemns all acts of aggression against any state against another and its people.

This Council resolves that:-

·         Exeter stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and the Council agrees to immediately suspend its civic relationship with Yaroslavl;

·         it be noted that the Leader of the Council will write to Vadym Prystaiko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, offering the City’s support for the people of Ukraine in these difficult times;

·         it be noted that the Leader of the Council has written to the Home Secretary advising her that Exeter has always been a City which welcomes refugees from all over the world in their hour of need, and it would support the acceptance of Ukrainian refugees and urges the UK Government to consider an urgent review into the criteria to be applied to those Ukrainian citizens who are seeking asylum in the UK; and

·         appropriate arrangements be made, in co-operation with Inclusive Exeter, to extend and engage support for the Ukrainian community in Exeter.”

Councillor K. Mitchell moved an amendment in the following terms:-

“Exeter City Council supports efforts within Local Government to divest from Russian investments/assets and will seek to encourage other local authorities to do so.”

Councillor D. Moore seconded the amendment.

Councillor Bialyk accepted the amendment for inclusion in the Notice of Motion, which became the substantive motion.

In presenting the Motion, Councillor Bialyk, as Leader, referred with pride to his Ukrainian heritage and how he, with others, had responded with great horror, two weeks ago, to the news of the invasion of this independent country by the Russian Government.

At a vigil held in Bedford Square he had spoken to Russian members of the Exeter Yaroslavl Twinning Association who were also expressing their concerns and opposition to the invasion. The intention to suspend the civic relationship with Exeter’s twin city was to emphasise to the authorities in Yaroslavl that Exeter wished to show its solidarity with the people of the Ukraine and opposed the attempt to conquer a democratic country. He also emphasised that it was not a direct protest to the people of Yaroslavl with whom many warm relationships had been enjoyed by Exeter citizens over the years.

He referred to the genuine outpouring of emotion and the wonderful response he had received from the citizens of Exeter and beyond offering their support. Many groups and organisations in the city had been galvanised to assist and some individuals were already providing assistance to Ukrainians at its borders with its neighbouring countries. Inclusive Exeter, the Lord Mayor’s Charity, was taking a leading role in this work, and he encouraged all to assist where possible.

In referring to the adversities suffered by Ukraine during World War II, he stated that the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7