Ukraine – A Statement from the Mayor of Bridport

I am sure that like me you have been stunned by events taking place in Ukraine. To see a sovereign democratic European country being subjected to a full-blown military invasion is something I am sure like you I had hoped I would never see happen again.

What is currently happening in Ukraine fills me with a range of emotions from outrage at the unprovoked attack to the horror at the consequences of their actions and frustration and helplessness at not being able to do something concrete to help the people being subjected to military bombardment and as a consequence having to flee their country to seek a safe haven.

Bridport is proud to be the first Rights Respecting town in this country and as such we are particularly appalled by the removal of basic human rights by military force. The people of Ukraine, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, have moved steadily from being ruled by an oppressive totalitarian regime to being a sovereign democracy. To see all of that hard won freedom being brutally challenged is abhorrent.

To let the world know the people of Bridport are looking on in horror at what Russia is doing and to send a message of support to the people of Ukraine, the Town Hall clock will shortly be lit in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag, and the Ukrainian flag will be flown. This beacon in the centre of our town will not only symbolically beam out those messages but also reminds us all to keep the people of Ukraine, and other countries around the world currently undergoing similar turmoil, in our thoughts.

I have seen some wonderful examples of local activity to collect desperately needed supplies to send to Ukraine, alongside the campaigns of national organisations who have the infrastructure in place to get aid to where it is most needed.  I would encourage everyone to support these initiatives.

Cllr Ian Bark, Mayor of Bridport

Will Austin
Town Clerk, Bridport Town Council
01308 456722