Watford councillors have united in their solidarity for the Ukrainian people.
Ahead of a council meeting last night, members gathered to raise the flag of Ukraine and play the country's national anthem outside the town hall.
During the meeting, the council showed its support to those in Ukraine by unanimously supporting a motion that condemns the Russian invasion.
Put forward by Labour councillor Asif Khan and seconded by Liberal Democrat deputy mayor Cllr Aga Dychton, by passing the motion, Watford Borough Council has noted the Russian attack on Ukraine is "unjust and without any cause".
It adds: "The ongoing horrendous loss of civilian life in Ukraine is a human tragedy. The people of Ukraine have fought bravely and with courage defending their freedoms and democracy. Russia’s attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy itself."
🇺🇦 We raised the flag for Ukraine tonight.
— CllrAsifK💙 (@AKatWatford) March 15, 2022
🇺🇦 All parties were united in their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
🇺🇦 We and Watford are ready to support Ukrainian refugees when they arrive here. pic.twitter.com/tcK9m3ktoW
The council has resolved to call on Russia to withdraw its troops in Ukraine, stand in solidarity with the Ukrainians, encourage people in Watford to donate to appeals for humanitarian support in Ukraine, and "fully support serious punitive sanctions against Russia and Vladimir Putin’s supporters in the UK".
The motion calls on the council to write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to "take serious action on Russian money laundering and Russian influence inside the UK" and to write to Home Secretary Priti Patel to take in Ukranian refugees.
Ahead of our council meeting this evening, we stood in solidarity with those suffering in Ukraine.
— Peter Taylor (@WatfordMayor) March 15, 2022
Thank you to everyone in Watford who has made donations and contributions to help those in need in Ukraine.
Lend your support here: https://t.co/39wQNKJ3ON pic.twitter.com/NzgZZN7n6D
Watford's mayor Peter Taylor has also been asked to write to the Russian Ambassador condemning the war and to call for her to withdraws troops from Ukraine "immediately".
At the weekend, a prayer vigil was held at Cassiobury Park in partnership with the Watford Interfaith Association.
Among those who attended were councillors, the mayor and the town's Conservative MP Dean Russell.
I was honoured to speak at the Vigil Prayer Event today organised by the Watford Interfaith Association.
— Dean Russell MP (@dean4watford) March 13, 2022
Faith and Civic Leaders joined together to offer prayers for #Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/vgumnphRkz
People can show their support for Ukraine by taking part in the council's appeal here.
Will you open your home to a Ukrainian?
The Government has unveiled a hotline and webpage where individuals, charities, businesses and community groups will be able to offer rooms to those escaping the conflict but with no family links to the UK. We would love to hear from you if you are going to open your home up.
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