2 May (Part 2) - Council meeting report - Motions
After Question Time came Motions; long delayed as
usual. This one had its origins in 24th February 2022, the day Russia invaded
Ukraine, and was presented by Councillor Howard Jackson. (Conservative, Barnehurst.)
If you believe Putin is a ruthless killer, sending missiles into populated
areas, torturing prisoners and captured civilians including thousands of
children, and in general terms a threat to the civilised world, you will not
have learned a lot from Howard’s impassioned speech, and if you did; where have
you been for the past three years?
Howard reminded us that the invasion began in 2014 and that “Russia is a full
blown fascist dictatorship intent on grabbing its neighbours land. No different
to Hitler”. He went on in similar vein for ten minutes. “Putin boggles the mind
by killing people on our soil and cutting internet cables.”
The UK strongly supported Ukraine and Bexley opened its doors to refugees.
219,000 Ukrainians came to the UK, Bexley residents have provided homes for 500
of them and facilitated local employment.
Howard’s plea for continuing help for Ukraine was seconded by Councillor Cameron
Smith. “Ukraine is not a quarrel in a country far away” as Chamberlain said
about Czechoslovakia in 1938. It deserves continuing help. “We stand with Ukraine.”
Labour Leader Stefano Borella agreed with the Motion 100% but wanted to go
further by including the conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, Iraq, Afghanistan,
Sudan, Yemen (Councillor Taylor’s addition to Stefano’s list) and The Congo in an Amendment.
“My Amendment adds strength. I want all refugees to find a home in Bexley.”
Councillor Nicola Taylor (Labour, Erith) expanded on Stefano’s theme and
claimed that the International Court Of Justice had ruled that Israel had
committed genocide. (The
BBC explains that is a misinterpretation of the ruling.)
Councillor Zainab Asunramu (Labour, Thamesmead East) said she was appalled by Councillor Jackson’s attitude to
Gaza (apparently he had said something pro-Israeli at
another meeting) and alleged that some of his colleagues agreed with her. She went on to
catalogue the dreadful atrocities rampant in some countries.
Whilst both parties were in broad agreement on the Motion, the Conservatives
were in no mood to widen its scope. Councillor Jackson said his Motion was about
Ukraine and Russia’s attack on the UK itself (Salisbury etc.) and he did not
want to see it diluted. He therefore rejected it as did all the Conservatives.
Next item: the Leader’s report.