AN ‘extravagant’ trip to Russia for three Coventry councillors in the wake of the Salisbury nerve agent attack is a waste of city taxpayers’ money, opposition leaders say.
Coventry council says it has been invited by the city of Volgograd to attend an international peace forum at the end of the month.
But Conservative councillors have questioned why three councillors have to attend – at a cost of more than £2,000.
It is expected to be rubberstamped by a Labour controlled council cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The three councillors to attend are deputy leader Abdul Khan, former leader and finance cabinet member John Mutton, and Pervez Akhtar.
Councillor Gary Ridley, leader of the Conservatives on Coventry City Council, said: “Coventry is the city of peace and reconciliation so it’s right that we aim to be a globally well connected city and I support anything which attracts investment. “However, it’s difficult to see how this proposal represents value for money and I really don’t understand why three Labour councillors need to go.
“We’re constantly told by this failing Labour administration that there’s no money to fund essential services so many people will wonder if this trip is necessary at all.
“That’s why Labour politicians need to explain to the people of Coventry why they’re being asked to fund the hefty cost of this lavish trip and set out what they can expect in return.”
A council officers’ report to go before cabinet tomorrow states: “The city has been invited by the City of Volgograd to attend an International People’s Diplomacy Forum as part of the UN World Cities Day (October 31).
“Councillors will deliver a presentation at one of the round table discussions (yet to be determined).”
The document then gives the names of two of the round table discussions…
“Cities as Peace Messengers: Municipal Peacemaking Practices in the 21st Century.”
“Improving a city – enhancing the quality of life: Cities’ Development as a Peacemaking Process.”
The council document states another reason as being: “To continue the longstanding links between the two cities, continue dialogue on how both cities will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the twinning link in 2019, being recognised by the UN as the founder members of the international twinning movement.”
Coun Ridley continued: “Upon arrival the councillors will also be treated to a lavish hospitality package by Russian officials.
“As twin cities, officials from each city often meet.
“Many people may also be surprised at the timing of the visit which comes amid a period of significant tension between the UK and the Russian state.
“This follows the alleged murder of a British citizen in Salisbury by the Russian security services using a nerve agent.
“Despite international condemnation and the deteriorating state of relations between the two countries the Russian flag is still regularly flown from the council’s headquarters.”
