BCP Council says it will do its “utmost” to engage with the government in its response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

This comes amid a wave of donations to charity initiatives organised by various Bournemouth community groups to send to the people of Ukraine displaced by the invading Russian army.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “The towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are home to people from all over the world and our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and all of those affected by the current crisis.

“In an act of solidarity, BCP Council will be joining government organisations around the world to display the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine, above the Civic Centre in Bournemouth.

“We will also be exploring other ways to express our support across the conurbation over the coming days and weeks.

“BCP Council is yet to have formal discussions with Home Office colleagues about the situation unfolding in Ukraine as we await to hear what might be required of us locally as part of a national response.

“As soon as the government position is clear, we will do our utmost to engage and lend our support where we can.

“In the meantime, our teams are working closely with and supporting the Polish community who are collecting items for people in the Ukraine who have been displaced and are fleeing from conflict.

“We will also be working closely with the DLUHC (Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities) and the LGA (Local Government Association) to do everything we can to support those who need help and support and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

On Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced that an extra 100,000 Ukrainians will be able to seek sanctuary in UK.

Former BCP Council leader Cllr Vikki Slade said: “People clearly want to help and there is a brilliant scheme already operating in Boscombe to Poland but I think as a nation we should be offering much more.

“Usually when there is a major conflict or disaster, the government sets up a fund using Red Cross or other agencies where people can donate and usually match funds it.

“I have a friend in Ukraine who I met through a parliamentary candidate scheme. I asked her what we can do for her people – she said right now please take those who are fleeing, give them shelter and keep them safe but when this is over we need you to help us rebuild our schools, hospitals and infrastructure.”

Regarding tributes such as flag flying and lighting landmarks with the colours of Ukraine, Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said: “Lighting and flags are all great but that’s not enough. What is even more important would be to send legitimate support and supplies through legitimate charities for the people who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.”