Councillors on both sides of the River Mersey have stood in solidarity with their counterparts in Ukraine and demanded the end of hostility against public figures.
A number of representatives from across parties in Liverpool and Wirral have signed a letter calling for the end of use of kidnapping, arbitrary imprisonment and other violence against mayors, local government representatives, journalists, civic activists and other civilians as the war in Ukraine continues. The letter has been sent to all major party leaders across Liverpool by signatory Cllr Alan Gibbons.
The letter said: “We condemn attempts by the Russian army and security services to destroy elected local government structures and replace them with their own appointees. We declare our solidarity with those who resist such blows against democracy, freedom of representation and freedom of speech.
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“We call on the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international bodies urgently to protest to the Russian government.” The letter has been signed by Cllrs Gibbons, Alison Clarke, Maureen Delahunty-Kehoe, Sam Gorst, Barry Kushner, Alfie Hincks, Lena Simic and former Lord Mayor Anna Rothery.
Wirral members Cllr Jo Bird and Emily Gleaves have also added their names. Cllr Gibbons, who represents Warbreck ward, said: “Local government representatives are being kidnapped in Ukraine and this is a show of solidarity from us to them and a pledge to offer whatever help we can.
"The danger is that they are forced to become proxies in Putin’s invasion and aren’t able to continue being independent representatives of the people.” Cllr Richard Kemp, leader of the largest opposition group on Liverpool Council, the Liberal Democrats, has also signed the letter.
It added that: “To the best of our ability, we will take the following actions, and we appeal to mayors and local government representatives here in the UK, and in other countries, to join us: To record all cases of human rights abuses against mayors and local government representatives in areas of Ukraine occupied by Russian forces
“To offer material and legal support to mayors and local government representatives whose human rights are abused. To campaign internationally in support of Ukrainian mayors and local government representatives whose human rights are abused, and publicise each and every breach of human rights and attack on democracy.”
Among those across the UK to add their support include Sian Berry, former co-leader of the Green Party.
