Luton Borough Council

23/03/2022 - Ukraine crisis: Latest updates and a statement from our Deputy Leader

Our thoughts and prayers remain very firmly with all those suffering in Ukraine, those who have fled their homeland as well as their friends and family both here in Luton and across the world.

As a City of Sanctuary, Luton will always answer a call to help provide safety and support for those in need.

We saw this most recently with the plight of refugees from Afghanistan and an incredible cross-community response to the Covid pandemic.

Unsurprisingly, huge numbers of our residents have already answered the call from Ukraine through donations of items or money. We also know that Ukrainian people have sought refuge with neighbouring communities in Eastern Europe with strong connections to our town, and many residents have also expressed an interest in helping via the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Cllr Aslam Khan, Deputy Leader of Luton Council, has thanked the whole community for their efforts whilst also addressing concerns about how the conflict is being responded to by media across the world.

Watch a short video from Cllr Khan.

Cllr Khan said: “Right now a request for urgent support comes from the people of a devastated Ukraine.

“The effort and concern from across our community has already been truly amazing. Neighbours have rallied together to gather vital supplies for the collections which have taken place; faith groups, community groups, families and businesses have donated money to those who need support to flee their homelands; others are volunteering their services as translators.

“Luton has always answered a call for help from anyone in need, and this is no exception.

“But I also want to touch on an issue which I know is causing some concern. People across the country – by no means just here in Luton – whilst they are no less compassionate towards the people suffering as a result of this conflict, have expressed concerns about how the conflict is being responded to in the media and by the government.

“And why the plight of the Ukrainian people seems to be receiving such attention and support when compared to other devastating humanitarian crises around the globe.

“We cannot speak for the press or indeed government policy. But for our community in Luton this is simply about answering a call for help when we receive it.

“Lots of you have already been in touch to say you want to do more to support those affected, and we will continue to work hard to help those who want to help others.

“People of all backgrounds are welcome in Luton in the spirit of harmony and respect for diversity. We will never tolerate hatred of any kind in our community and condemn it when it happens elsewhere.”

At a meeting of the Full Council last night (March 22), councillors from all parties unanimously passed a resolution to work with our community, local partners and national government to do all we can to respond to requests for urgent support from the people of a devastated Ukraine arriving in Luton as part of the national ‘Homes for Ukraine’ programme.

This includes other community and resilience forum led initiatives which are supporting the Ukrainian people at home and abroad.

Please visit our Supporting Ukraine page for more information about Homes for Ukraine and other local and national fundraising initiatives.