Community leaders, political figures and a number of Ukrainian migrants attended an event at the Civic Centre today, ‘where Bromley once again stood with its Ukrainian neighbours.’
This morning Bromley Borough council took part in a minute’s silence and heard the Ukrainian national anthem to mark one year since the Russian invasion began, with statements of unity paid by borough community leaders.
Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Hannah Gray, said: “We came together as a community today as a show of our ongoing solidarity and support for our Ukrainian friends and neighbours and praised Ukrainians for enriching our Bromley community.”
Cllr Gray was not alone in her tributes from south east London with Cllr Colin P Smith penning an open letter to the Ukrainian Embassy as a statement of solidarity earlier this morning, and deputy Lewisham mayor Brenda Dacres lighting a candle in memory of the victims of Russian invasion.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also took the occasion as an opportunity to share in an act of solidarity with his office publishing plans to light up major London landmarks, including south east London, in Ukrainian colours.
The mayor also used today to announce a new round of funding as part of a long-term plan to house Ukrainian migrants in affordable accommodation, which has been welcomed by some borough councils.
South east London has been very successful in supporting Ukraine and hosting migrants with Bromley itself managing more than 600 Ukrainians housed by Bromley residents, according to a council press release.
Other south east London boroughs have welcomed the mayor’s act of solidarity and announcement of extra funding as well.
Lewisham Cllr Juliet Campbell, Cabinet Member for communities, refugees and wellbeing, told South East Londoner: “As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, Lewisham has a strong track record of resettling refugees and this funding announcement is welcome news for London.”
It is the hope of councils that this new round of funding and collective act of unity will revive unity with Ukrainians.
Featured image credit: Andrew Rogers
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