Today, the CCA Chairman wrote to the Ukrainian Ambassador on behalf of the country’s Conservative Councillors to underline our support of Ukraine and its people in the face of the unprovoked, heinous, and catastrophic actions of the Russian Federation.
The letter reads:
Ambassador Vadym Prystaiko
Embassy of Ukraine
60 Holland Park
London
W11 3SJ
Tuesday 8th March 2022
Dear Ambassador Prystaiko,
I am writing on behalf of England’s 7000+ Conservative Councillors to offer our ongoing support to the Ukrainian people as they face the illegal and unethical invasion of your country by the Russian State.
My colleagues in Conservative Local Government across the country, whether running their Councils or as elected representatives of their communities, have been tireless in their efforts over the few last weeks to support the Ukrainian people - in a whole host of ways. They have been supporting community-led efforts collecting vital supplies to ship both to Ukraine and neighbouring countries hosting refugees.
They have been looking at their supply chains and investments, to move rapidly away from anything which supports the Russian economy. They have been leading on public shows of support for the incredible and valiant efforts being shown by the inspirational Ukrainian public. Town Halls, bridges and public buildings have been lit up in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag across the UK.
And we stand ready to offer any additional support we can. In particular, many of us have previous experience of welcoming and hosting those displaced by previous conflicts in our Council areas. As such, we are working closely with our national government to ensure that if needed we are ready to accommodate those finding themselves on our shores due to this crisis. And we will do so with the British hospitality and compassion that you would expect. We are all in this together.
In the meantime, we applaud our Government’s continued efforts to lead the international approach to coordinate not only wider humanitarian efforts, but also sanctions and other actions which are already starting to show Putin that his terrible actions have equally terrible consequences. We sincerely hope that the time is fast approaching where the Russian people start to push back against the crimes which are being committed in their name. We stand in awe of the determination, bravery and fierce spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The Conservative Councillor family across the country will continue to stand by your side and offer support in any way we can.
Yours Sincerely,
Cllr Philip Broadhead
Chairman, Conservative Councillors’ Association