Our support for Ukraine

The Ukraine flag is currently flying over the borough council’s Shute End offices show support for the people of Ukraine this week.

 The borough Mayor Cllr Keith Baker raised the Ukrainian flag on Wednesday March 2 and was joined by leaders and senior members of all political groups who voiced their support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russia’s invasion.

Leader of the council John Halsall said: “As the leader of a local authority, I cannot but wonder at what my counterparts in the Ukraine are living through as they try to support their battered – but not broken – communities through this onslaught. My thoughts are with them and with all Ukrainians and their families wherever they are.”

The borough council has pledge to play whatever role it is asked to support any Ukrainian refugees and the wider community.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Clive Jones said: “We must continue our tradition of helping people from war-torn areas, as we have done for centuries. The UK and Wokingham must be prepared to help refugees giving them 3-year visas to stay in the UK and allow them to find work here. Sanctions on Russia must be increased to show that Putin's totally unnecessary aggression will not be tolerated by the free world. The raising of the Ukrainian flag and it staying there until Russia withdraws its armed forces is a symbol that Wokingham stands with and supports the Ukrainian people.

Representative from the Labour group on Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Shirley Boyt said: “The bravery shown by the Ukrainian people is extraordinary. There is not much we can do, but by raising the flag we can at least show solidarity with Ukrainians in our borough.”

Leader of the Independent group on Wokingham Borough Council Cllr Jim Frewin said: “Freedom is always worth fighting for and this flag symbolises that Wokingham Borough stands behind Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”