18/05/2026
Vyshyvanka Day Speech
I would like to thank the Eastbourne Branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain for inviting me here today as Mayor, and thank you to everyone involved in the enormous work that has clearly gone into organising this wonderful celebration of Vyshyvanka Day.
This is my first civic speech as Mayor, and I honestly cannot think of a better event at which to give it.
One tradition shared by the countries that make up the United Kingdom is a tradition of liberty. We have not always lived up to that tradition perfectly — no nation ever fully does — but it remains an important part of how many of us understand ourselves. It is a tradition expressed not only in our own institutions and freedoms at home, but also in the belief that powerful countries should not simply be free to crush smaller nations by force.
There is another, connected tradition too — again imperfectly enacted at times, but real nonetheless — and that is the tradition of offering welcome to people facing hardship, persecution, or war. Across Sussex and across the United Kingdom, many people opened homes, schools, churches, community halls and friendships to Ukrainians arriving in deeply difficult circumstances.
And I think it is important to say that this has not only benefited Ukrainians in Britain. It has also enriched our own communities. Cultures grow not by sealing themselves off from the world, but through encounter, exchange, friendship and shared civic life.
As someone who teaches constitutional law, I spend a great deal of time thinking about what ultimately holds a country together. Laws matter. Institutions matter. Constitutions matter. But moments like this remind us that a nation is sustained by more than formal structures alone.
It is sustained by memory, language, traditions, music, stories, families, and the determination of ordinary people to pass something on to the next generation.
That is why Vyshyvanka Day matters.
And I should also say that I am very proud to be wearing a vyshyvanka today as part of this celebration. Though I have to confess, I also think I look rather good in it.
But in all seriousness, a vyshyvanka is not merely a garment. It is inheritance made visible. It is culture carried into everyday life. And in difficult times especially, these traditions become acts of continuity and dignity.
But today has also reminded us of something joyful.
We have heard music, poetry and song. We have seen extraordinary performances. And I have to say, playing a Ukrainian folk tune this afternoon with such talented and lovely fellow musicians has been one of the most enjoyable things I have done in quite a while. So thank you Yuliia for this wonderful opportunity.
And I will also say this personally: one of the things that has struck me most in getting to know members of the Ukrainian community is the warmth, generosity and positivity that people have brought with them, even in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
I think many of us in Britain have not only admired Ukrainian resilience from afar, but have genuinely enjoyed the friendship, humour, energy and sense of community that Ukrainians have brought into our towns and civic life.
There is something profoundly hopeful about people making music together. It reminds us that culture is not simply preserved in museums or books. It lives through participation, friendship, celebration and community.
So today is not only a celebration of Ukrainian culture. It is also a celebration of resilience, generosity, friendship and shared humanity.
On behalf of the people of Seaford, thank you for welcoming me here today. We are honoured by the contribution Ukrainians have made to our communities, and proud of the friendships that have been formed.
Happy Vishyvanka Day.
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Eastbourne branch
