Nationally, the Liberal Democrats have been calling for an immediate bilateral ceasefire to stop the violence and aid to reach civilians in Gaza. The Lib Dems have demanded unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza, including support of UNRWA and implementation of the Colonna report to ensure aid integrity and using the platform to force parliamentary debates and votes that challenge Labour’s cautious stance and pressure the Government to act decisively.
We know that local Lib Dem MPs, Wera Hobhouse and Anna Sabine have been consistently outspoken about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Following the unanimous Peace Motion at B&NES Full council in July 2024, the Green Group has written to you and asked for a clear and detailed update on the Council’s engagement with and actions taken in response to this Peace Motion.
As you will recall, this motion was a significant commitment by the Council to support peace efforts, humanitarian aid, and community solidarity relating to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since its passage, the Green Group has repeatedly sought information on what steps have been taken to implement the pledges made.
Regrettably, it appears that beyond the annual flying of the UN flag for one week in September—coinciding with the International Day of Peace—the motion has largely been overlooked in practice.
We ask, therefore: How has the Council engaged with the key elements of the motion, including advocacy for ceasefire, humanitarian support, refugee protection, and fostering community solidarity? What specific actions have been taken, and how have these been monitored or reported back to the Council and the public?
The Green Group has consistently championed peace and inclusion, and we expect the Council’s leadership to provide transparency and accountability on this matter. Given the continuing and worsening humanitarian crisis, it is essential that Bath and North East Somerset Council demonstrates real leadership and delivers on the commitments it has made.
Please can you publicly let us know what actions are being taken?
From Cllr Saskia Heijltjes, Cllr Sam Ross, Cllr Joanna Wright