Unanimous agreement has been given by Hertsmere Borough Council to a cross-party motion strongly condemning Vladimir Putin’s "imperialist invasion of Ukraine".

The motion, which was presented at a full council meeting on April 27, also resolves to support Ukrainian people who have been displaced into the borough’s communities, as well as express "full solidarity with the people of Ukraine".

Before the motion was heard at the meeting, members heard from Ukrainian refugee Alla Karimova who is currently residing in a hotel in Borehamwood with other Ukrainian women and children.

She spoke of how she had fled her home country and of the support she had received since arriving in Hertsmere, which is home to around 100 Ukrainians. Ms Karimova's words were warmly received in the council chamber and a standing ovation followed.

Measures agreed include immediately making £50,000 available for the council to support Ukrainian refugees both directly and in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council.

Funds from the council’s reserves and contingency budgets were also pledged to help speed up suitability checks regarding offers of accommodation, along with measures to actively promote through the council’s communications channels the help that the council and other partners can provide.

Cllr Paul Morris, Conservative councillor for Bushey Heath, who proposed the motion, said: "We’ve been truly appalled by this shocking display of aggression by Putin and the war crimes being perpetrated on men, women and children by Russian forces.

"Through this motion we were able to set out our commitment as a council to how we will offer our solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Labour councillor for Borehamwood Cowley Hill and leader of the Labour Group, seconded the motion and added: "Once again, as we did for those fleeing oppression from Syria and Afghanistan, local people are providing generous support and temporary homes for Ukrainian refugees.

"Putin may capture Ukrainian land, roads and bridges but he will never capture the hearts and minds of Ukraine’s people. As Putin resorts to even more desperate and barbaric crimes, we in Hertsmere stand as allies of Ukraine."

Data published by the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities shows 62 visas had been issued in Hertsmere under the Homes For Ukraine sponsorship scheme as of April 19.

The scheme allows Ukrainian nationals and their family members to come to the UK if they have a named sponsor.