Bridge shows its colours over conflict in Ukraine

THE Mersey Gateway bridge was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag over the weekend in a gesture of solidarity following a request from Halton MP Derek Twigg, who called for the “triumph of democracy over dictatorship”.

Former veterans minister Mr Twigg said he asked for the crossing to be lit up blue and yellow to show the borough’s support for the besieged nation.

In a post on social media, Mr Twigg warned that President of Russia Vladimir Putin had unleashed “evil” in the east European nation and poses a “grave threat” to the international order.

President Putin ordered a massive invasion of Russia’s neighbour Ukraine on February 24, prompting widespread condemnation from world leaders, fierce military resistance on the ground from Ukrainians, and sanctions including from the European Union, US, UK and Japan.

Fears an invasion was imminent were brewing for weeks as Russia gathered massive troop numbers and tanks along the Ukrainian border, with US and UK intelligence warning that he planned to invade amid illfated hopes Putin’s aims were more limited.

Mr Twigg, Labour, said: “Following my request to Halton Borough Council for the Mersey Gateway to be lit up in the colours of the Ukraine flag to show Halton’s support to the people of Ukraine, I am pleased that tonight it is lit up in blue and yellow.

“Thank you to the many Halton people that have contacted me to show their support to the Ukrainian people and to also ask for Halton to show their support by lighting up the bridge.

“My office and I are supporting a number of Halton people with family in Ukraine during this very distressing time.

“The attack on Ukraine is an attack on democracy. All those who believe in the triumph of democracy over dictatorship, good over evil, freedom over tyranny must now support the Ukrainian people.

“Britain has a long tradition of standing up to dictators and tyrants.

“Our country believes in the rule of law, in freedom, in democracy and we must stand in solidarity with Ukrainians now.

“There can be no space for equivocation when faced with the evil that Putin has unleashed.

“His actions pose a grave threat to the international order on which we all depend.”