As I write this article, the television news is showing footage of residents walking through a park in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city. It appears to be a scene of normality; then, you see the first explosion, and innocent people are forced to scramble for safety as cluster munitions explode around them.

The brutality and depravity of the Russian assault on the people of Ukraine appears to be increasing, with the deliberate targeting of civilians, the vulnerable, those who are unable to defend themselves.

When I was elected in 2019, I perhaps naively did not believe we would ever see killing and destruction on this scale in Europe again. The perceived certainty of peaceful co-existence in our continent that has benefitted us all since the fall of the Berlin Wall is based on something Vladimir Putin will never understand - freedom.

Ten years ago, when I first became a councillor in Bury, I remember a conversation with my great friend, Councillor Khalid Hussain, during our first ward surgery at Summerseat Methodist Church.

Khalid, one of the most decent, honourable men I have ever met, told me that day that wherever my political career may take me, never take freedom for granted.

Throughout the world, there has continued to be horrific examples of the state placing restrictions on the individual liberties we take for granted and the violent brutality that generally follows.

Khalid, like myself, believes we should cherish our country, institutions and our fellow citizens. What we are as a country is not defined by the politicians who may hold democratically elected political power for a period of time but the underlying, unspoken values that link us all on a shared journey throughout our lives. In my view, this is an unbreakable belief in freedom.

Freedom to make those choices that will give those closest to you and yourself the best opportunity to lead a happy and fulfilled life. I believe in a state that creates opportunity for all within a stable, tolerant society where you are not judged on the basis of your nationality, gender, religion, disability or any other factor but on your character and positive attitude to your fellow citizen.

The armed forces and citizens of Ukraine, through the heroic defence of their country, are not only are shining examples of resistance but also of humanity.

As you read this article, in mainland Europe, ordinary people are giving their lives in defence of liberty, freedom and their fellow countrymen to ensure their sons and daughters can enjoy those rights we take for granted. I am pleased Western countries have taken decisive steps to impose sanctions on Russia and provide military support to Ukraine.

We must do everything possible to support the brave people who are currently engaged in a fight that will impact us all.