READING will do all it can to help refugees fleeing Ukraine, promises council leader Jason Brock.
He says that the council is awaiting details from the government but will play its part when the time comes.
“I’m certain that, like me, Reading residents are watching on in horror at the harrowing scenes coming out of Ukraine every day. Reading is a town with a long and proud history of taking in refugees fleeing the conflict in their homeland, and we stand ready to do so again in any way we can,” he said.
“The Government has announced it intends to allow immediate and extended family members of British nationals to seek refuge in this country with indications that the scheme but it is now essential the Government extends the scope of its scheme to include Ukrainian citizens with no link to the UK.
“Local councils like Reading now await the details from Government and the support they will make available to local authorities to accommodate poor people who have been uprooted from their homes, whether that means providing basic needs like a roof over their heads, food or schooling where needed.”
He continued: “Reading is a City of Sanctuary not only in name, but through the actions of local residents who have once again stepped forward with generous offers of support. I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has been overwhelmed by the tremendous local reaction and donations received, so much so that it has had to temporarily ask people to stop bringing items to their building in Sidmouth Street.
“We are lucky to be home to the RUCC and we will continue to provide support the organisation.
“In the meantime, Reading sends a message of solidarity to Ukrainians everywhere around the world, and our thoughts and prayers remain, in particular, with the people in Ukraine during this reprehensible invasion.”
