Depute Provost Bert Thomson began the meeting by saying: “On 24 February the world marked the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

“It was four years since Russian forces invaded that sovereign nation and began full-scale destruction and killing that has continued ever since.

“South Lanarkshire was one of the first councils to condemn that illegal invasion and we agreed to fly the flag of Ukraine until the war ended, as a sign of our support.

“That flag still flies outside this building as a symbol of our continuing support. And as a council we have done more, as part of the national effort to support Ukrainian refugees, many of whom we have welcomed into our communities.

“It is an outrage that this war continues, and I think colleagues would agree with me that our condemnation of Russia continues, as does our admiration for the ongoing bravery of the people of Ukraine as they fight for their independence and indeed their lives.

“So, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine, and I am sure they are also with those who are embroiled in the other conflicts across the world, including the most recent violence in the Middle East.

“Regardless of our political affiliation, or our views on the rights and wrongs involved, I am sure we all sympathise with everyone who is caught up in these conflicts. And we hope for peace for all.”