VIDEO: WARRINGTON’S political, religious and community leaders stood shoulder to shoulder showing solidarity for the Ukraine during a special peace rally at the town hall.
As political parties put their differences to one side, speakers delivered powerful messages in support of the people of Ukraine while condemning the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Warrington Borough Council’s Chief Executive Steven Broomhead opened event, organised by the Mayor of Warrington Maureen Creaghan, followed by speeches from political, religious and community leaders and their representatives.
The event was closed by the Mayor followed by a moment of silence and reflection.
The event, prompted by the distressing scenes unfolding in Ukraine, provided the chance for reflection and collective thought to those currently suffering due to global conflict.
Labour Leader Cllr Russ Bowden described the scenes in Ukraine as “deeply distressing and upsetting.” He said millions of people were suffering and being displaced and while he had seen many acts of kindness more needed to be done and he urged people to support the appeal to raise funds for those in need.
Cllr Kath Buckley, leader of the Conservatives, expressed support for the people of Ukraine, its President, armed forces and those resisting the “unjustified Russian aggression.”
She added:”It is important the world condemns the actions of Vladimir Putin and I have great admiration for the Ukrainian people and their determination to resist the Russian aggressors.”
Leader of the Lib Dems, described the events as “Cataclysmic” and “like nothing seen in our lifetime.” He went on to describe how members of his own family had been forced to flee Poland during the Second World War.
He went on to describe Putin as a “terrorist, tyrant, thief and murderer” and that we must do what we could not to let the people of Ukraine down, like we had the people of Poland in the past.
Leader of the Independent Cllrs, Cllr Andy Heaver said it was very rare to see all politicians in agreement and that there wasn’t one member of the council not united for the people of the Ukraine.
He added: “This is not about Russia, this is about one man and he must go.”
Further speeches followed from representatives of the town’s two MPs Andy Carter and Charlotte Nichols, who could not attend due to being in London on Government business, religious and community leaders and peace campaigner Colin Parry from Warrington’s Peace Centre.
How to support the Ukraine humanitarian appeal
The council, in line with the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator, is urging the public to ‘give safely’ to registered charities helping and supporting those affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
Residents are therefore advised to give to a registered charity, to have assurance that their donations contribute to the right causes.
People looking to donate to causes working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, can quickly check a charity’s name and registration number on the government’s website and a dedicated Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) page has been established, where funds for Ukraine are being collectively raised: dec.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal.
When large-scale disasters hit countries without the capacity to respond, the DEC brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently, and residents are therefore encouraged to give funding to this cause if they would like to donate.
CLICK on the image to download a poster to display in your home or office window or in a community building.
To end our ‘Warrington for peace’ event this evening, we held a minute’s silence for reflection and collective thought to those currently suffering due to conflict 💙💛 pic.twitter.com/58gTGUw0ms
— Warrington Borough Council (@WarringtonBC) March 7, 2022
A peace 🕊 gathering was held at #Warrington Town Hall this evening. Well meaning, emotional and poignant words offered by @WarringtonMayor @CllrBobBarr @ColinParryPeace and others. Thanks to all who attended. 💛💙🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/zktXZoTIGW
— Dan Warren️ 🇺🇦 (@DanWarren84) March 7, 2022
No words #WarringtonStandsWithUcraine pic.twitter.com/q55rbGmWjw
— Get Warrington Talking (@GetWarrTalking) March 7, 2022
At the town hall. @WarringtonMayor for peace @WarringtonBC pic.twitter.com/rhGFPnm0Tz
— St Ann's Church Warrington (@StAnnsW) March 7, 2022
Healthwatch Warrington are standing up for peace #warringtonforpeace #PeaceInUkraine #warrington pic.twitter.com/LybB9heL31
— Healthwatch Warrington (@HWWarrington) March 7, 2022
1 Comment
Thanks for the coverage Gary. I couldn’t make it so it was good to see the speeches and hear of the support and much more needs to be done from a National and International level to unseat this Putin tyrant and the death and destruction he is imposing on the people of Ukraine. We should be opening our doors to the women and children escaping for their lives and helping those left behind in every way we can.