Camden set to name Highgate road after Russian pro-democracy campaigner Boris Nemtsov
Nemtsov, the most prominent voice of opposition against Putin in Russia, was assassinated in February 2015
Friday, 14th October 2022 — By Dan Carrier
Boris Nemtsov and the space that will be named after him
THE Town Hall wants to rename part of a Highgate road after the Russian pro-democracy campaigner Boris Nemtsov – who spoke out against Vladmir Putin before being assassinated in Moscow.
Camden has marked an area at the junction of Highgate Road, Highgate West Hill and Swains Lane to be ‘Boris Nemtsov Place’. It is close to the long term offices of the Russian Trade Delegation.
Nemtsov, the most prominent voice of opposition against Putin in Russia, was assassinated in February 2015.
His supporters and friends who were seeking to commemorate his life’s work have successfully lobbied global cities home to Russian embassies and consulates to rename locations near them. Camden is the latest authority to show solidarity by beginning the formal process of renaming the road.
Camden would join Washington DC, Vilnius, Kyiv, Bratislava, Prague and Greater Toronto in naming an area after Boris Nemtsov – and become the first place in the UK to do so.
Council leader Georgia Gould said: “Boris Nemtsov’s life and death are an invaluable reminder of the constant need to fight for democracy, liberty, and rule of law, and stark warning not to take them for granted. It would be an honour to join the other cities around the world who chose to pay tribute to his legacy.
“I am grateful to the extraordinary courage of democracy campaigner Vladimir Kara-Murza who has championed this project and his wife Evgenia Kara-Murza who has carried the torch following his imprisonment in Moscow for speaking out against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This tribute honours Boris Nemtsov and all those following in his legacy who continue to put their lives at risk for democracy and freedom.”
Victoria Sharple, who owns Swains, a new wine bar and eatery in the former Duke of St Albans pub, over looksthe roundabout.
She said: “I am intrigued. I understand the idea, and I understand it is about showing solidarity to the people of Ukraine. You could ask if it is relevant, as a place. ‘I would say yes – we have a knowledgeable community here, and we also have a a large number of Eastern European, Ukrainian and Russian people living here.
“If it brings more footfall to the area, that would be welcome. Many come here to visit the independent businesses and while we quite like Swains Lane being a bit of a secret, as small business owners we have to encourage people to come and see out corner of north west London.”
Fishmonger Greg Ivison, who works at Bournes in Swains Lane, said: “I love the fact it is clearly sticking two fingers up at Vladimir Putin. I don’t know if its the right spot for it in terms of London, but I welcome it here. There are a few Ukrainian people who come in and it is a great way to show our support and solidarity.’
Former Labour councillor Alison Kelly, who lives next to the roundabout, added: “I think it is wonderful. It is showing how we in Camden think internationally, and it sends a clear message regarding our values.”
Mahesh Patel of Megs News on Swains Lane told the New Journal: “It will be interesting. It may bring people to the area and is another reason to make a trip to Swains Lane., as well as visiting the cemetery, for example. This is a busy and attractive place and I think this new name is an interesting and respectful addition, remembering someone whose memory needs to be kept alive.”
