Concerns Russian people in Rochdale facing harassment over Ukraine crisis

Russian people living in Rochdale are facing harassment and ‘abuse’ due to the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine, a senior councillor has warned. Councillor Andy Kelly, who leads the borough’s Lib Dem group, raised concerns that those with Russian lineage were being unjustly targeted because of anger with Vladimir Putin’s regime.

At the latest full council meeting, members unanimously backed a motion urging ‘solidarity’ with Ukraine and stressing the authority’s ‘willingness’ to settle Ukrainian refugees in the borough. They also called on the Prime Minister to make ‘all efforts’ to welcome those affected by military action, without the need for a visa.

Coun Kelly urged people not to let their horror over the war in Ukraine affect how they behave towards innocent Russian citizens. He told the meeting: “I have had contact from Russian citizens that live in the borough to say they need protection - for lack of a better word - because they are getting abuse in the street [and] the kids are getting abuse in schools because they are from Russian stock.”

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Coun Kelly said the borough was dealing with the war on ‘multiple levels’ - from its impact on the existing Ukrainian community to those he hoped would soon be welcomed under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme. And while he joined other councillors in expressing ‘support’ and ‘‘respect’ for Ukrainian sovereignty and freedom, he also cautioned against prejudice.

“But also let us not forget the Russian citizens who live in the borough,” he added.

His comments were very much in line with council leader Neil Emmott’s motion. While pledging to ‘stand with’ the borough’s Ukrainian community