Vigil showing “solidarity with Ukraine” to be held Saturday

A ‘Vigil For Peace’ to show solidarity with Ukraine will be held this weekend in Southport.

St. Marie’s RC Parish Church on Seabank Road will host the vigil between 1 pm and 3 pm tomorrow (Saturday 26 February).

Also, tomorrow between 11 am and 1 pm, in the town centre, adjacent to the war memorial, there will be a stall for anyone wishing “to express Southport’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people and all sufferers under tyranny and to help convey that support to Ukraine.”

The initiatives have been organised by a number of churches and faith groups across Southport “to reflect people’s concern and demonstrate their support for the beleaguered Ukrainian people.”

One of the organisers, Fr. Tony Slingo, said: “ We hope everyone passing by, no matter what their belief or politics, will pause for a moment to add their name and their thoughts to the message of solidarity from Southport and perhaps hear of other efforts made elsewhere.

“It wont stop the tanks, but in a connected world, every tiny bit of pressure helps. People must express their feelings. It can only help tyrants like Putin if we shrug our shoulders in indifference.”

Anyone who would like to help or submit further ideas should contact 07837 091 829.

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher has expressed “shock and dismay ” at President Putin’s actions in Ukraine, and his support for “Ukrainians and Russians everywhere who oppose the war”.

In a statement Cllr Maher said: “President Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine is an act of unjustified aggression which has shocked and dismayed those of us across the world who cherish democracy peace and freedom.

“I want to express Sefton‘s support for Ukraine and its people. I also want to send our thoughts to those who have been forced from their homes and to those people of all nation nationalities who are victims of Mr Putin‘s war or who find themselves reluctantly fighting it.

“I can assure Ukrainians and Russians everywhere who oppose the war, including those who live in Sefton, that we will support them and all the efforts being made to show Mr Putin that there will be no winners in this war.”

Plans are underway to fly the Ukrainian flag at Bootle Town Hall and at Southport Town Hall.