Russian twin city link halted

Councillors have unanimously voted for Perth to suspend its twinning link with the Russian city of Pskov.

Perth and Kinross Council has also pledged to support Ukrainians in a number of ways, including adopting a Ukrainian city and expressing its willingness to welcome refugees.

The decision was taken at a virtual meeting on March 9.

Independent Highland ward councillor Xander McDade tabled a motion for the “council to do everything it can to support the people of Ukraine”and offer more than“just warm words”.

He said:“I think it’s safe to say we have all been appalled by the scenes we have seen online, on TV and have listened to on the radio over the past few days and weeks of what is happening in Ukraine.

“The unwarranted invasion of a sovereign European nation by one of its neighbours is truly appalling.”

His motion included contributions from members across the chamber which SNP Strathtay councillor Grant Laing, who seconded it, praised.

The Strathtay elected member said: “Everybody’s got behind this and offered suggestions of their own – not to weaken it, but to strengthen it.

“We have made it completely clear this is not against the Russian people per se. This is against the Russian government.” The motion called on PKC to:

• Suspend Perth’s twinning link with Pskov“until Russia ends its unwarranted attack and withdraws from the Ukraine”.

• Suspend formal invitations to the Russian Ambassador or Consul General.

• Adopt and support a Ukrainian city with the goal of forming a twinning link after the conflict ends.

• Express Perth and Kinross will welcome refugees and support both UK and Scottish governments in their arrival.

• Fly the Ukrainian flag from the Perth and Kinross Council chambers as a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine.

Perth City Centre Liberal Democrat councillor Peter Barrett expressed his support for the motion and requested it include an agreement for PKC to make a donation of £10,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee.

This was seconded by Perth City South Lib Dem councillor Liz Barrett.

Cllr McDade and Cllr Laing were happy to incorporate this amendment.

Conservative Strathtay councillor Anne Jarvis told fellow elected members she had been approached by local residents seeking to host refugees.

She asked if PKC could establish a list of Perth and Kinross residents who would be willing to host Ukrainians.