Brent Council last night overwhelmingly approved a twinning protocol and an historic twinning arrangement with the Palestinian city of Nablus.
The Conservative Group voted against the twinning proposal and the Liberal Democrats abstained. Some Labour members who might have been expected to have reservations were amongst those who gave apologies for absence.
The reasons Conservative members gave for opposition varied from suggesting 'why not other cities or communities' to allegations from Cllr Maurice that Nablus was controlled by Hamas and the association could damage Brent's reputation.
The Lib Dems and Cllr Kennelly were concerned about attitudes towards gay people in Nablus, although Cllr Kennelly did say he understood that restrictive laws had been repealed. For the Lib Dems, Cllr Lorber asked for undertakings from the Nablus authorities that gay people would be safe there. If such undertakings were received they would not oppose the twinning.
Cllr Ithesham Afzal speaking last night
In his speech supporting the twinning initiative Cllr Afzal said:
Today is a momentous and proud day for Brent,This twinning is for them. For the children who grow up with the weight of occupation, yet still dream of a brighter future, a future of freedom. Because we don’t just speak of values—we live them. We don't just care about change; we make it happen.
Responding to the decision, supported by nearly 2,000 residents and several grassroots Brent organisations, he said
This twinning is about more than symbolism—it is a commitment to shared values, mutual understanding, and global solidarity at a time when so many are looking away. Brent is standing up and showing what it means to build peace and cooperation from the ground up.
Members of the Brent-Nablus Twinning Association with Mayor and councillors after the meeting
Welcoming the Council's decision the Brent-Nablus Twinning Association pointed out that as a community-driven initiative, the twinning will be independently funded and will not place any strain on council resources. It will instead harness partnerships and grassroots support to fund and facilitate exchanges and joint programmes.
The Association explained:
The partnership will include school and youth programmes, artist collaborations, digital storytelling, and community events, designed to foster understanding, celebrate shared culture, and raise awareness of the daily realities faced by Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
Nablus—an ancient and resilient city in the northern West Bank with a population of over 150,000—is a centre of Palestinian culture, learning, and heritage. Brent, home to the second-largest Arab diaspora in England and Wales, has long stood as one of the UK’s most diverse and internationally minded boroughs.
15 comments:
Very pleased to see this vote passed. Congratulations to all!
Well done Brent Council and Cllr Ihtesham Afzal. It would be good to have it published the Labour Clkrs names who did not turn up.
“The Lib Dems and Cllr Kennelly were concerned about attitudes towards gay people in Nablus”
Well gay people of Palestine have fled to Israel for aslyum. Else they’re killed.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-5-2003-1346_EN.html
“although Cllr Kennelly did say he understood that restrictive laws had been repealed For the Lib Dems”
Oh yes, because of the lib dems gay people are now free in palestine? Fact check?
“Cllr Lorber asked for undertakings from the Nablus authorities that gay people would be safe there…”
Dearest cllr Lorber, nobody is safe in Palestine at the moment.
A very strange quote. I don't think that is what Cllr Kennelly actually said. He did not refer to the Liberal Democrats.
As opposing prejudice of any form is high on Brent Council's priorities it is important and right that any place that Brent wants to twin this upholds equally strong principles.
The twinning has still some way to go before it is finalised so plenty of time for the Nablus Authorities to make their position clear on the concerns expressed by Cllr Kennelly and others.
There was a missing full stop in the first edition. '... repealed. For the Lib Dems...' Corrected shortly after publication. Apologies for any confusion.
The list of places which Nablus is already twinned with is quite impressive - why isn't Brent twinned with loads of other places???
Hmmm.....can YOU think of "many" places that either heard of or would want to twin with Brent?
Although it would be good to twin with some place that could teach Cllr Butt and the Labour Councillors running Brent on how to keep our streets clean.
While symbols like the Palestinian keffiyeh can represent solidarity to some, their use in official council settings is inappropriate and divisive. Local authorities have a duty to remain politically neutral on complex international conflicts. When councillors wear a symbol that has become associated rightly or wrongly with a specific geopolitical stance, they risk alienating parts of the community, particularly Jewish residents who may feel unsafe or excluded.
This is not about denying empathy or justice for Palestinian civilians, it’s about recognising that local government is not the place for performative politics or one-sided symbolism. Councils should stand for inclusion, not take symbolic actions that might inflame tensions, misrepresent diverse views, or give the impression of endorsing one side of a deeply painful and ongoing conflict.
I think that Cllr Ryan Hack looked so much better with his 'working class' cap on as compared to that relic from the Napoleonic war.
Sounds like another attempt to silence those who are against Israelis starving Palestinian children. It's not complicated. Israel is disconnecting Palestine from the world so it's everyone's duty to stand in support with Palestinians i.e. humanity.
Just because ottomans took over the area doesn’t mean it belongs to them, the arabs have always had a home in british mandate palestine, it is called jordan 🇯🇴 - same flag
I doubt whether Mr Francis will publish these comments. 15 members of Nablus council are members of Hamas, a proscribed organisation in the UK. My life would be at risk if I visited. A gay man was recently murdered in Nablas because he was gay. I think it disturbing that my council money is funding this project when the traffic lines in my road are fading. This is an unfair waste of money.
Can you verify the claim re Hamas? (I wouldn't count The Sun where it appeared on Monday). The article above and statements from the Council and Twinning Group make it clear that activities will be funded by the latter. Re the safety of gay people when visiting I am sure that assurances will be sought ahead of any visit and an independent assessment to ensure safety.
Local government is not the place for these kind of performative international political signals. Clean up the streets, help the homeless, improve our schools, help to make Brent more propserous.. Leave international relations to central government.. waste of time, money and energy.. make a statement about the Israel - Gaza situation if you want to be heard.
The real reason Labour have done this, is because they are aware their vote is at risk from pro Palestine independents next year.
https://archive.is/20250601161752/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14769651/birmingham-muslim-pakistan-london-uk-britain-david-patrikarakos.html
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