Ukraine refugees offered home in Tamworth – Birmingham Live

Tamworth has formally offered to home refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. During an announcement at Tuesday night’s council meeting, Jeremy Oates, leader of the council, confirmed he had co-signed a letter to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel alongside other leaders in Staffordshire, offering Tamworth’s support for “families who urgently need our assistance”.

He told the meeting: “I would like to announce that this afternoon, I was invited to and accepted an invite to co-sign a letter to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary.

“The letter reads: Dear Priti Patel and Boris Johnson, as the world has watched the horrific events in Ukraine, citizens living in a free democratic country have considered how they can best play their part in assisting the unfolding crisis.

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“We welcome the actions taken by this Government so far against the Putin regime and are proud to see that President Zelenskyy counts the UK among their greatest allies but we must now do more.

“We write to you as Staffordshire Local Authority leaders to let you know that we stand ready and able to welcome those displaced by war in Europe. We have the skills, the authority and the willingness to assist in housing and supporting families seeking refugee from the horrors of war. I urge you clear a bureaucratic path as quickly as possible for these families who urgently need our assistance.”

Cllr Jeremy Oates, leader of Tamworth Borough Council.
(Image: Tamworth Borough Council)

The meeting was also told by Cllr Sheree Peaple of how Tamworth has stepped up to help those most in need.

She said: “We have set up a group which is called March for Ukraine with the intention of working throughout March to collect as many goods as possible and get them over there.

“The partnership is between Community Together CIC, Heart of Tamworth, Community Children Count, Tamworth Pantry and some of our councillors. Cllr (Daniel) Maycock is involved as well and Cllr (Alex) Farrell. If I have missed anybody out I apologise to them.

“So far we have collected a huge quantity of goods and we have been absolutely overwhelmed and humbled by the way that the good people of Tamworth have, as usual, opened their hearts, opened their purses and done everything they can to help this terrible crisis. In just a week we have collected approximately £23,000 worth of goods which are going over to Ukraine.

Tamworth’s March for Ukraine volunteers co ordinate donations.

“We have got drivers …….

Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/ukraine-refugees-offered-home-tamworth-23336706