Agenda item

The Chairman advised that he had received a request from Councillor C A Vinson and Councillor C D Zosseder for a Motion on Ukraine to be taken as a matter of urgent business.

It was moved by Councillor D P Murphy, seconded by Councillor H M Williams, and

RESOLVED:   That Council Procedure rule 13.1 (Motions on Notice) be suspended to enable the Motion to be moved.

(In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 25.1(2) at least one half of the members of the Council were present.)

(1)  Motion on Ukraine

Councillor C A Vinson moved the following Motion without notice:

“This Council condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and calls on President Putin to immediately withdraw all troops from the country. We deplore the reported use of cluster munitions and other horrific weapons against the civilian population of the Ukraine and support the International Criminal Court's announcement of an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

We support the actions taken by the United Kingdom and other nations to provide aid and military equipment to bolster Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion. We also support the firm financial sanctions imposed on Russia that will materially affect its economy and hinder its ability to trade with the international community.

We recognise the steps taken by the British Government to introduce a bespoke humanitarian route to the UK for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including the relaxation of visa requirements and eligibility criteria alongside additional staff and application centres in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

We call upon the British government to continue working alongside other countries to provide urgent temporary refuge for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.”

The Motion was seconded by Councillor C D Zosseder.

The overwhelming majority of Members spoke in support of the Motion. Councillor J P Haste spoke in opposition to the Motion.

In response to a question from Councillor N J Collor, the Strategic Director (Corporate Resources) confirmed that the Council had no direct investments related to Russia.

On being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED:  This Council condemns the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and calls on President Putin to immediately withdraw all troops from the country. We deplore the reported use of cluster munitions and other horrific weapons against the civilian population of the Ukraine and support the International Criminal Court's announcement of an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

                        We support the actions taken by the United Kingdom and other nations to provide aid and military equipment to bolster Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion. We also support the firm financial sanctions imposed on Russia that will materially affect its economy and hinder its ability to trade with the international community.

                        We recognise the steps taken by the British Government to introduce a bespoke humanitarian route to the UK for refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, including the relaxation of visa requirements and eligibility criteria alongside additional staff and application centres in Ukraine and neighbouring countries.

                        We call upon the British government to continue working alongside other countries to provide urgent temporary refuge for those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.