Statement on the events in Ukraine

At the meeting of the Norfolk County Council Cabinet on Monday 7 March, Cllr Andrew Proctor, Leader of Norfolk County Council, gave the following statement on the events in Ukraine:

Before the meeting starts I would just like to make a brief statement concerning the continuing crisis in Ukraine.

Let me echo everything said by the UK government and nations all over the world, that on behalf of Members and Officers of Norfolk County Council we utterly condemn Russia's unprovoked and premeditated war against Ukraine.

We have already seen how the humanitarian cost is truly horrific and it will only get worse.

Norfolk County Council stands ready to help Ukrainian refugees wherever we can, working with the UK government to support its settlement programme.

In the meantime our People from Abroad Team are making preparations for refugee settlement in our county.

A lot of residents have asked how they can help and we are advising that the best way is for people to make cash donations to agencies like the Red Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine appeal. This is the best way to get help to people in such a humanitarian crisis.

We are aware that some authorities have energy contracts with Russian-controlled firms, but I am pleased to say that we do not. We have not been able to identify any such contracts with Russian-controlled companies, but if any come to light we will take appropriate action. The one small contract we had for interpreting will no longer be used.

The Norfolk Pension Fund has also been mentioned. Our exposure to Russian investments was small pre-invasion and is smaller now. We are actively working on disinvesting in such funds.

The Ukrainian people have shown immense courage and tenacity in the face of the Russian war machine.

We are proudly flying the Ukrainian Flag in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.

See more information on how you can support people fleeing conflict in Ukraine.