“Woking Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine this Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Woking.
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need.”
Minutes:
Councillor S Dorsett
The following motion was moved by Councillor Dorsett and seconded by Councillor Mohammed, proposing that the Motion should be determined on the night rather than referred to the next meeting of the Executive in accordance with Standing Order 5.7.
“Woking Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine this Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Woking.
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need.”
Councillor Dorsett spoke on support of the motion before the Mayor invited Members of the Council to debate the proposal. Councillor Forster moved an amendment which had the effect of strengthening the motion through the addition of wording agreed recently at a meeting of Surrey County Council. The amendment, set out below, was seconded by Councillor Dorsett (changes highlighted in italics).
“Woking Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine this Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Woking. Agrees to continue to fly the Ukrainian flag as a gesture of support at the Civic Offices, until such time as hostilities cease.
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression. Agrees to fully engage in and support national schemes for Ukrainian refugees, to identify accommodation and homes for those arriving in Woking, to assist those fleeing the country to find a safe haven here for as long as is necessary, and to facilitate their return to Ukraine as and when it is safe to do so.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need. Promote as widely as possible the mechanisms by which Woking residents can donate and support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
The amendment was welcomed by Members who expressed their strong support for the citizens of Ukraine and the objectives of the motion. Councillor Dorsett thanked the Elected Members for their support before the Council unanimously agreed the motion.
RESOLVED
That the motion, as amended and as set out below, be supported.
“Woking Borough Council is saddened and disturbed by the unprovoked aggression against Ukraine, which has caused horrific devastation, and created an escalating humanitarian crisis with millions displaced or affected. In light of this, and as a way of expressing support for the people of Ukraine and members of our communities who are from or who have ties with Ukraine this Council;
a. Condemns the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and their families and friends, including those local to Woking. Agrees to continue to fly the Ukrainian flag as a gesture of support at the Civic Offices, until such time as hostilities cease.
b. Stands ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by this unprovoked Russian aggression. Agrees to fully engage in and support national schemes for Ukrainian refugees, to identify accommodation and homes for those arriving in Woking, to assist those fleeing the country to find a safe haven here for as long as is necessary, and to facilitate their return to Ukraine as and when it is safe to do so.
c. Will work with and support the efforts of our local communities to provide help, support and comfort to those in need. Promote as widely as possible the mechanisms by which Woking residents can donate and support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”