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attitudes towards gay people in Nablus, although Cllr Kennelly did say he understood that restrictive laws had been repealed.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.