THURROCK Council members have backed a plan to partner with a region of Ukraine in a bid to show solidarity with the war-torn country.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, David Day, Conservative councillor for Orsett, won cross party support for a motion for Thurrock to partner with a region of Ukraine to "strengthen bonds and co-operation".

Presenting the motion at a council meeting, Cllr Day said: "A partnership with Ukraine would see the establishment of a memorandum of understanding between Thurrock and Ukraine regions and would follow in the footsteps of other councils in the UK.

"This would strengthen bonds with Ukraine and would act as a strategic enabler of business, education, institutions and communities, empowering them in their significant part in supporting the recovery of Ukraine."

Cllr Day added: "A memorandum of understanding would cement the spirit of co-operation between Thurrock and Ukrainian people and will be the start of a commitment to help rebuild Ukraine."

Jacqui Maney, Conservative councillor for Aveley and Uplands, seconded the motion. She said: "As a nation we've always extended the hand of aid and assistance to our close neighbours in times of conflict and I'm proud that this Government and the last is committed to doing the same.

"That said I feel that here in Thurrock we may be able to do the same in our own small way. As Thurrock grapples with its own internal problems, including the need to rebuild our finances perhaps this motion might serve to remind us that the issues we face here are trivial to those faced by civil authorities in Ukraine."

Cllr Maney added: " When the war in Ukraine ends those same authorities will begin the monumental task of rebuilding their own finances as well as the infrastructure that was destroyed.

"Who knows Thurrock could have some small words of advice. A memorandum is about sharing knowledge and forging links which Thurrock and a region in Ukraine can both benefit from. If nothing else it is a symbolic sign of unity."

John Kent, leader of the council, supported the motion and called for a report to be considered by cabinet "as soon as possible".