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Mansfield Council to do ‘everything reasonably practical’ to support Ukraine

By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter

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Mansfield District Council will do “everything reasonably practical” to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis being fuelled by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Andy Abrahams, the district’s Labour mayor, described the ongoing situation as an “awful occupation” and said his thoughts were with the people “fleeing the horrors of war”.

His comments came during the authority’s full council meeting on Tuesday (March 8), in which the Labour administration took a few minutes to address the situation before going onto the meeting’s agenda.

Councillor Dave Saunders (Lab), chairman of the council, spoke about the war at the start of the meeting before leading a minute’s silence.

He said: “Before I turn to the published agenda, I want briefly refer to the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, an independent nation, and to the humanitarian crisis that is engulfing not only Ukraine but the neighbouring countries as well.

“My thoughts are with the people of Ukraine at this stage.”

And Mr Abrahams, the district’s Labour mayor, also called on councillors to do what they can to help and said he has already donated funds to a disaster relief pot.

He said: “[I want to] seek support from all members to condemn this awful occupation of Ukraine and to vow we will do everything that’s reasonably practical to help with the humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the horrors of war.

“If any members have any allowances left that they haven’t already got a place to direct them to, we would welcome them going to the disaster relief – which the Government is match-funding.

“I, myself, have donated from my Mayors 500 Fund but this is all about being united to do all we can to help.”

The authority has this week also published some support measures it is currently offering to help with the crisis.

It said it was “keen” to promote fundraising and relief aid activities and encouraged local organisations to get in touch.

A collection for refugees is being held at the Old Meeting House, in Stockwell Gate, with first aid supplies, food, toiletries and clothes among items being collected. A similar scheme is being run at All Saints’ Catholic Academy.

And the council is flying a Ukrainian flag alongside the Union Jack at its Civic Centre headquarters.

It comes after other Nottinghamshire authorities confirmed their plans to help Ukrainian refugees and to support humanitarian relief schemes.

Neighbouring Ashfield District Council said last week its “hearts and homes are open” to people fleeing the crisis, with support already on offer in the district to get supplies to the country.

Broxtowe Borough Council has also said it is “ready to step up to help refugees”, with councillors jointly condemning a “disregard for human life, national sovereignty and international rule of law”.

Councillors on Gedling Borough Council also showed their support for the Ukrainian people last week by standing together in front of a large banner with the colours of the country’s flag.

While Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs King’s Mill, Newark and Mansfield Community Hospitals, said it is offering support to its staff members impacted by the crisis.

And last month, councillors on Nottinghamshire County Council issued a joint statement condemning Vladimir Putin for his invasion of the country.