Suffolk support for Ukraine continues to grow a month after the war began

Today Councillor Matthew Hicks wrote a piece for the East Anglian Daily Times on the situation in Ukraine.
Published: 22 Mar 2022
Councillor Matthew Hicks
This week we mark a grim anniversary, Thursday marks one month since the Russian Federation, under the warped leadership of Vladimir Putin, launched the latest phase of his illegal and wholly unjustified war against Ukraine. Since that first day, the bloodshed, violence and acts of terror that the people of Ukraine have been subjected to, has shocked, and revolted all right-minded people around the world.

To mark this solemn occasion, Suffolk County Council will be debating a cross party motion at a meeting of the council that condemns the invasion, pledges our continued support for the people of Ukraine, and commits us to do to all we can to support refugees fleeing to this country. You can watch the debate live via the council’s YouTube channel; a link will be shared via the council’s twitter account on Thursday.

The motion also recognises the incredible response from the people of Suffolk towards this tragedy. It has been fantastic to see the level of support shown by communities, charities, and organisations towards the Ukrainian people. So many across Suffolk coming together to collect medicine, food, and other items of comfort like bedding and toys for refugees fleeing the war.

Endeavour House lit up in Ukrainian national colours
Suffolk County Council has joined other councils lighting up our headquarters in yellow and blue as an act of solidarity, and we are flying the Ukrainian flag to show our continued support. We were also able to offer more practical help earlier this month by quickly examining our contractual liabilities, moving to end all association with companies associated with the Russian state, including a £10m contract with the state-owned Russian energy supplier Gazprom.

Suffolk County Council also stands ready to work alongside the Home Office, district and borough councils and other partners, to do all we can to support those people fleeing this conflict as soon as they arrive in Suffolk. We have a track record of helping people in need, and we will not let them down.

Our support for Ukraine doesn’t end there, I am delighted that our Chief Fire Officer, Jon Lacey, has arranged for Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service to take part in the National Fire Chief Council and Fire Aid’s initiative, which aims to send around 5,000 items of essential firefighting equipment to Ukraine. The service is also donating two fire engines, along with hoses, to the cause too. The appliances have served Suffolk well, having previously been based at fire stations across the county. Whilst still in good working order, they are surplus to requirement due to our ongoing fire engine replacement scheme. It is anticipated that the donated kit will leave for Ukraine in the next week or so when it will make the 1,200-mile journey via Poland.

This equipment is set to bolster Ukraine’s Emergency Services, who have been at the heart of the country’s response to the conflict, putting their own lives at risk as they continue to protect their communities during the most horrific of circumstances. In addition to this, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting a charity car wash between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, March 26. This event will take place at several fire stations across the county, a full list of participating locations will be available on the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service Twitter account. 

The money raised from this event will be split between two fantastic charities, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and The Firefighters Charity, with the DEC providing food and shelter to those who have had to flee Ukraine and The Firefighters Charity supporting the mental, physical and social needs of all serving and retired members of the UK's fire family.

To everyone in Suffolk involved in supporting Ukraine, whether raising money, donating items, or even just paying to get your car washed by the Fire Service – thank you. Whilst this horrific war demonstrates the worst of humanity, your support and selfless kindness demonstrates the best.

Councillor Matthew Hicks