30 November 2023
Bath and North East Somerset councillors evade discussions relating to Israel-Palestine Conflict
In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October, a wave of discussions concerning ceasefire has emerged nationally and locally across the UK. Local authorities such as those in Bristol, Oxford, Sheffield, and Bradford have seen various parties raise motions to address the escalating violence in Gaza and the Occupied Territories.
At the forefront of these efforts, Councillor Joanna Wright, leader of the Bath and Northeast Somerset Greens, proposed a cross-party motion dubbed the 'Peace Motion'. This motion aligns with the broader stance of the Green Party and echoes the sentiments expressed by the UN Secretary-General, calling for an immediate ceasefire.
The 'Peace Motion' not only emphasises solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine but also underscores the importance of Article 9 of the 1998 Human Rights Act. This article asserts individuals' absolute right to hold a religion or belief free from discrimination. The motion further urges the council to demonstrate support for the release of hostages, increase aid, and explore peaceful resolution possibilities.
Councillor Wright outlined various actions that the Bath and Northeast Somerset council could collectively undertake. These include consulting the Equalities Action Commission to better assist residents affected by the ongoing events and fostering unity among people of all faiths in response to recent developments. The motion also acknowledges the necessity to facilitate the welcoming of displaced persons, condemns the use of dehumanising language, and proposed flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace.
Despite efforts to foster a cross-party collaboration, Councillor Wright's initiative received only one response from the Labour group. The Liberal Democrats, Conservative, and Independent groups offered no response despite a request. This meant that the B&NES Green groups 'Peace Motion' was therefore unable to be tabled. Bath and Northeast Somerset Green’s find the unwillingness of specific groups, and the wider council’s reluctance, to engage in conversations regarding this on-going conflict unsettling in the context of such international devastation and calls by locals for action.
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