Calls for more action over Ukrainian refugees

There are calls in Gloucestershire to grant unrestricted asylum to Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country.

Russian troops invaded Ukraine last week and hundreds of thousands have since left the country seeking refuge in Western Europe.

Gloucester City Council unanimously condemned the invasion last week and city councillors are calling on the UK Government to do more to help those who have been displaced.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) said: “Liberal Democrats in Gloucester have condemned the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops under instruction of Putin and his Kremlin cronies.

“We joined demonstrators in support of Ukraine outside Mariners Church last Saturday.

“The UK should follow the EU’s example of granting unrestricted asylum to Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn homeland.

“In Gloucester the city council should make preparations to welcome any refugees that might arrive in our city.

“We must do our bit.”

Councillor Terry Pullen (L, Moreland), Labour group leader, who recently proposed a motion to make Gloucester a city of sanctuary also wants the UK to do more to help those affected.

He said: “We are very worried and seriously concerned for the plight of many thousands of refugees fleeing their homes in the Ukraine to escape the war.

“The UK must play its part in welcoming Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict and fully follow the example set by the EU countries in letting in all Ukrainians with or without visas for three years.

“In Gloucester, as we have done in the past, we must also do our part and welcome people to our city.

“In November last year, led by the Labour Group, the council passed a motion for Gloucester to become a city of sanctuary that welcomes refugees, asylum seekers and people fleeing conflict. It is time to put our words into action.”

And in Cheltenham, councillors say the town would also be willing to welcome refugees as they have done in the past.

Cheltenham Borough Council leader Rowena Hay (LD, Oakley) said: “We are a town of sanctuary that welcomes refugees and of course we will do what we can.”

Stroud District Council is also showing support for Ukraine and its people and is flying their national flag outside the council offices at Ebley Mill.

Council Leader Doina Cornell (L, Dursley) said: “On behalf of Stroud District Council, I want to express how saddened we are by the news of the situation in Ukraine.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, the local Ukrainian community, and those who have been affected.

“If there is more we can do as a community, and as the district council, we shall certainly do so – we have facilitated the settlement of refugees before, and those fleeing war and persecution are always welcome here.”

Gloucester City Council has been approached for comment.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.

• Ukraine
• gloucester
• Russia