Wiltshire MP and Council show support for Ukraine
The outpouring of backing for the country continues to grow
Last updated 2nd Mar 2022
Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison has described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an 'act of infamy' and 'we must support the brave and resilient people' affected by it.
The former Foreign Office Minister, who represents South West Wiltshire, has signed a book in the House of Commons in support of the people of Ukraine.
Andrew Murrison said:
"Putin’s attempted conquest of a sovereign European state is an act of infamy for which he and his cronies must be held individually accountable. They need to know the world is watching and writing each and every criminal act. There will be no hiding place for them, no stone to crawl under, no sanctuary, no refuge.
“Meanwhile we must support the brave and resilient people of Ukraine in resisting the monstrous Putin and open our arms to the refugees his barbarous misdeeds have caused.
“The Salisbury Novichok nerve agent outrage in 2018 gave us locally a taster of Vladimir Putin’s disgusting behaviour. Then as now the international community was united against the pariah Putin.
“Decency will ultimately prevail. Rid of Putin and his henchmen, the longsuffering people of Russia will be restored to their proper place among the community of nations.”
Salisbury's MP has also tweeted his support for an influx of UK aid for Ukraine:
WILTSHIRE COUNCIL COLLATING LOCAL SUPPORT
There's also a thank you from Wiltshire Council to the local groups, charities and individuals who are doing what they can to support people in Ukraine.
They've said it's not an exhaustive list, but it is being updated all the time.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said:
“On behalf of Wiltshire Council, our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the utterly heartbreaking scenes we are seeing in Ukraine. We’d like to thank everyone locally who is doing what they can to provide support and ensure that the people of Ukraine know they are not alone, despite the distance between us.
“Following the Novichok attack in Salisbury four years ago we are only too aware, on a smaller scale, of the callous disregard for human life and international law that Putin is willing to show.
“Wiltshire has strong military connections, and we know uncertain times like this can also be very difficult for those serving and their families, and our thoughts are with them too.
“As a council we are in regular contact with central Government and are ready to provide any support that we can, and although it’s too early to say what that might be at this stage, we’ll update when we can.
“In the meantime we’ll do what we can to raise awareness of what people can do locally so that our county, filled with such compassionate and proactive communities, can be there for the people of Ukraine at their time in need.”