The illegal invasion and systematic destruction of Ukraine by the vile Putin regime is entering its third week. All decent people with access to honest and accurate news reporting like we have in the West, have found Russia’s indiscriminate shelling of civilians and war crimes, utterly disgusting.
Along with our allies, we are in an economic war with Russia that will vastly defund Putin’s war machine, but which will also have consequences for us. Sadly, I now see no alternative while the Putin regime rules Russia, but whatever happens, it’s vital we work in unison with our allies and there is no stronger alliance on the planet than NATO.
I very much welcome our government’s placing of the most severe economic sanctions that Russia has ever seen. This includes phasing out all imports of Russian oil and oil products by the end of this year, which currently supply 8% of UK demand, giving businesses enough time to ensure a smooth transition and working with them this year to secure further supplies. I also welcome our sending of £400 million of aid for the Ukrainian people and our major supply of weapons to the Ukrainian forces.
Our strong ally Poland has been magnificent, including how they are dealing with the huge influx of refugees. Over 1.5 million people have fled from Ukraine to Poland and the Polish people are doing so much to help them. While most Ukrainian refuges want to be as close to home as possible, it is right that European countries further afield like our own, do whatever we can to take some pressure off Ukraine’s immediate neighbours.
Therefore, the newly announced government support of £350 a month for every UK household that accommodates Ukraine refugees will be very helpful. Making the visa scheme more streamlined, increasing capacity and alleviating pressure on Visa Application Centres is also very welcome. I’m hopeful that many Crawley households will be able to help, and I know both West Sussex County Council and Crawley Borough Council will be doing everything they can to support Ukrainians coming here in their hour of need.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
16th March 2022
