Gedling Borough Council condemns ‘horrific’ situation in Ukraine and pledges to help refugees

A united Gedling Borough Council will tonight condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and make a pledge to help refugees fleeing from the war-torn country.

Gedling Borough Councillors are meeting tonight (3) to discuss proposals for next year’s Budget.

But as well as funding for next year, an urgent resolution has now been drafted by Councillor Michael Payne which will also be discussed at tonight’s meeting of the Full Council.

Councillor Payne said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the indication of support for this urgent resolution from leaders of all political groups on Gedling Borough Council.

“Together we stand with Ukraine. Together we will look after and care for our Ukrainian community here in Gedling Borough.”

The draft proposal is as follows:

Gedling Borough Council:i) strongly condemns the multiple attacks and illegal violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.

ii) expresses our full support and solidarity to the Ukrainian people and our peers in local and regional government in Ukraine.

Gedling Borough Council Civic Centre — *PICTURED: Civic Centre (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)*

iii) considers the escalation of violence, repeated bombings and attacks on Ukrainian cities and territories as a serious threat to the preservation of peace and democracy across Europe. We call on the Russian Federation to cease its illegal attack, to leave the national territory of Ukraine, to respect all international treaties and fundamental principles of international law and to recognise the full sovereignty of Ukraine over all its territories, including Donbas and Crimea.

iv) affirms the Council’s commitment to provide any reasonable help and support to all Ukrainian nationals living in Gedling Borough.

v) stands ready to welcome Ukrainian people fleeing war and persecution in their own country and assisting with any forthcoming Government proposals for resettlement support for Ukrainians seeking sanctuary here in the UK. Gedling Borough Council agrees to send a message of solidarity and support to the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

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It’s an honour to represent the community that I was born and brought up in. Together, Gedling’s community has supported one another through the toughest of times but the truth is we are being let down by Tom Randall and the Tories.

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