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.
Minutes:
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 crisis was bringing back memories to many who could remember that period or were told stories of it. From a personal point of view, he referred to his relatives who were heading for the Ukraine border to seek sanctuary, first in the Netherlands, and then in the UK. Like many, they were leaving behind their family, some of whom had stayed to take up arms against the invaders.
He was proud of Exeter’s response and urged Members to unanimously support the Motion.
During the discussion, the following points were raised:-
· all should show solidarity and support for Ukraine and its citizens who only wanted to stay in their country and homes and not flee from the tyranny and horrors of war. Like the Leader, a Member had direct knowledge, through Ukrainian relatives living in the UK, of the suffering endured by their friends and family. It was wonderful to see support in Exeter and she urged Exeter to stand with Ukraine;
· the City Council possessed a long history and tradition of working together during a crisis;
· many would have been shocked at the harrowing scenes in Ukraine which they would not have expected to witness in their lifetime. Continued pressure should be placed on the Government to free up the bureaucratic processes to ensure that urgent support could be given to the refugees seeking sanctuary in this country;
· a Member, who had made many visits to Yaroslavl, stated that she had found the citizens to be very friendly and was of the view that many of them were unaware of the true nature of the conflict;
· previous support had been made by the city to Syrian and Afghanistan refugees and the City Council, with Devon County Council and community groups, would similarly support Ukrainians seeking sanctuary;
· a Member, who had visited Russia, was concerned for the safety and liberty of the thousands of Russian citizens who were opposing this unjust war;
· Devon County Council was committed to provide support;
· ordinary citizens were showing support and solidarity, which was not being adequately matched by the Government;
· although, given a previous invasion of Crimea in 2014, a Member was not surprised by Russia’s action he was shocked at its ferocity; and
· the people of Yaroslavl had previously opposed the Russia First movement and had elected as their Mayor an opponent of Putin’s authoritarian juggernaut.
Councillor K. Mitchell, speaking as a co-leader of an opposition group and in supporting the Motion, stated that Exeter had always come together at a time of need. He had visited both Ukraine and Russia and had found the people friendly and hospitable.
Councillor Packham, in seconding the Motion, urged all to stand in solidarity with the people of the Ukraine and was proud of the UK for its continued defence of democracy and freedom and opposition to the illegal invasion and ongoing atrocities. She praised the bravery of those Russian citizens risking their lives and freedom in standing against the Putin regime. She welcomed the Leader’s letter to the Home Secretary and urged the Government to commit to providing as much help as possible to Ukrainians coming to the UK. She praised the work of Inclusive Exeter in seeking to offer all support possible.
The Lord Mayor thanked Members for their comments and referred to messages passed on to Ben Bradshaw MP in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. She also referred to the launch of a sponsorship scheme by the Government to make sure that Ukrainians, who have been forced to flee their homes, have a route to safety in the UK and inviting charities, businesses and community groups to come forward to sponsor Ukrainians who do not have already established family ties to the UK. Inclusive Exeter would be participating in the scheme.
Councillor Bialyk, in summarising, thanked Members for their comments and reiterated many of their sentiments. He was proud of the humanity shown and the willingness of Exeter to provide help and sanctuary to the dispossessed and victims of war and emphasised that Exeter stood with Ukraine.
On being put to the vote the following was CARRIED unanimously:-
“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;
· appropriate arrangements be made, in co-operation with Inclusive Exeter, to extend and engage support for the Ukrainian community in Exeter; and
· 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.”