Calls for Russian Consulate street to be renamed "Zelensky Street"
Alex Cole-Hamilton has suggested that Melville Street, where the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh is located, should be renamed "Zelensky Street" after the Ukrainian President
The Leader of the Scottish Lib Dems and Edinburgh Western MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has made a call to rename a street in the city to show solidarity with Ukraine.
He's looking to see Melville Street, where the Russian consulate is located, renamed to "Zelensky Street" after the Ukrainian President.
A number of cities in Europe are currently changing the names of streets which base Russian embassies.
Vilnius, Lithuania, will change the name of the street the Russian embassy is on to “Heroes of Ukraine Street”. Tirana, Albania, will also call their street “Free Ukraine Street”, and Riga in Latvia is due to be called “Independent Ukraine Street”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:
“Britain must shame Putin at every possible opportunity. Everyone visiting or writing to the consulate should be reminded of Putin’s murderous and destructive invasion of Ukraine.
“This small but meaningful gesture would match the outpouring of support from Kyiv’s twin city Edinburgh. It mirrors the kind of protest that was used against South African embassies during Apartheid, and speaks to the proud tradition of solidarity shown by scots to oppressed and persecuted people the world over.
“Edinburgh has responded with horror and compassion to the images coming out of Ukraine. The offers to house those fleeing the horror of war in Capital homes has been truly inspiring. This would be a further beacon of solidarity for the people of Ukraine.
“At every level of government, we must do more to help those affected by the invasion. The UK Government must immediately waive visa requirements for refugees, the Scottish Government must do more to identify Russian land interests and the city can play its part in readying itself for refugees and in small acts of defiance to Russian aggression like this.”