The Prime Minister has praised Bath in the House of Commons for its “direct link” with a Ukrainian city.
Cllr Kevin Guy, Eduard Fesko, Deputy Chief of Mission & MP Wera Hobhouse | Photo © Office of Wera Hobhouse MP
The Ukrainian ambassador has previously given “the thanks of his entire country” to Bath and North East Somerset after it sent generators to the city of Oleksandriya.
The council set up a “friendship agreement” with the central Ukrainian city, which has a similar population to Bath, in 2023.
A Ukrainian language concert held in Bath Abbey on 24th February, the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, raised funds for more aid to the city.
Speaking the next day in the House of Commons, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse (Liberal Democrat) said: “The Ukrainian deputy ambassador was there, and he particularly praised the direct link that my Bath council had formed with the city of Oleksandriya.
“It has formed such strong people-to-people contact, and it is enduring and provides direct support. What more can the Government do to encourage other councils to form these direct links to Ukrainian communities?”
Keir Starmer replied: “I am pleased to hear about that direct link. I think that people-to-people contact is really important, both in relation to our appreciation and understanding of what is going on in Ukraine and of course to the resilience of Ukrainians. And I would support any such initiatives.”
Ms Hobhouse added in a statement: “It’s fantastic to have the Prime Minister’s support for our friendship agreement with Oleksandriya.
“I’m proud of my Bath and North East Somerset Council for their important work to create these bonds.
“Bath’s strong ties with the people of Ukraine have been invaluable, providing crucial support and people-to-people contact through some of the darkest times.
“That’s why I am pushing him to ensure that councils across the country follow in our city’s footsteps to form similar links with Ukrainian communities.”
More than 380 Ukrainians have been hosted in Bath and North East Somerset under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Bath & North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy said: “Bath and North East Somerset is proud to stand in solidarity with the people of Oleksandriya and Ukraine as a whole.
“Recently, I was very glad to meet the deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Ukraine, Eduard Fesko, and Zhenya Shkil of The Friends of Oleksandryia, ahead of the concert of Ukrainian music organised at Bath Abbey to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.
“Now more than ever, we must continue to stand with Ukraine and defend democracy.”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporter
