Issue - meetings

To consider the following Motion in the names of Councillors Anwar, Bramwell, Daji, Darwan, Scott, H Zaman, Hussain, Masood Ahmed and Kahut;

“Council notes that:

• On 29 November 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine non-member observer State status, effectively recognising it as a state within the international community.
• 29 November is also observed annually as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, established by the UN in 1977.
• The people of Kirklees have a proud record of standing up for peace, justice, and human rights around the world. Our communities are deeply diverse, with many residents who have direct family and cultural ties to Palestine and the wider Middle East.
• Displaying flags in recognition of international days and events has been a longstanding way for Kirklees Council to express solidarity with oppressed peoples and affirm our commitment to universal human rights.

Council believes that:

• Raising the flag of Palestine is a peaceful and symbolic gesture of solidarity with those striving for freedom, equality, and self-determination.
• Such an act reflects our borough’s values of inclusivity, justice, and international cooperation, and aligns with the UK’s own stated support for a two-state solution based on international law.
• Public recognition on this day will send a clear message that Kirklees stands for peace and supports a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in safety and dignity.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. That in line with the Council’s Flag Flying Policy, the Leader, Chief Executive and Mayor be requested to support the Raising  of the flag of Palestine on all Kirklees Council town halls and civic buildings on 29 November each year, in line with the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
2. Issue a public statement reaffirming Kirklees Council’s commitment to peace, justice, and the right of all peoples to self-determination under international law.
3. Encourage community engagement and education around international solidarity and human rights, including opportunities for residents to learn about the significance of this day.”

Motion approved as amended.

It was moved by Councillor Anwar and seconded by Councillor Bramwell that;

“Council notes that:

• On 29 November 2012, the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine non-member observer State status, effectively recognising it as a state within the international community.
• 29 November is also observed annually as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, established by the UN in 1977.
• The people of Kirklees have a proud record of standing up for peace, justice, and human rights around the world. Our communities are deeply diverse, with many residents who have direct family and cultural ties to Palestine and the wider Middle East.
• Displaying flags in recognition of international days and events has been a longstanding way for Kirklees Council to express solidarity with oppressed peoples and affirm our commitment to universal human rights.

Council believes that:

• Raising the flag of Palestine is a peaceful and symbolic gesture of solidarity with those striving for freedom, equality, and self-determination.
• Such an act reflects our borough’s values of inclusivity, justice, and international cooperation, and aligns with the UK’s own stated support for a two-state solution based on international law.
• Public recognition on this day will send a clear message that Kirklees stands for peace and supports a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in safety and dignity.

Council therefore resolves to:

1. That in line with the Council’s Flag Flying Policy, the Leader, Chief Executive and Mayor be requested to support the Raising  of the flag of Palestine on all Kirklees Council town halls and civic buildings on 29 November each year, in line with the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
2. Issue a public statement reaffirming Kirklees Council’s commitment to peace, justice, and the right of all peoples to self-determination under international law.
3. Encourage community engagement and education around international solidarity and human rights, including opportunities for residents to learn about the significance of this day.”

Whereupon it was moved by Councillor Bolt, and seconded by CouncillorThompson by way of AMENDMENT, that;

“All text after “Council notes that” be deleted and replaced with:

“… the long-standing Kirklees policy on flying flags over the town halls, viz. Ad-hoc requests to fly flags will be determined by the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council and the Mayor (or their nominees).

Council believes that this is a fair policy which works well.

Council therefore resolves to continue to support this policy.”

The AMENDMENT, on being put to the vote was CARRIED.

The Motion, AS AMENDED, was therefore put to the vote and it was;

RESOLVED –

That this Council notes the long-standing Kirklees policy on flying flags over the town halls, viz. Ad-hoc requests to fly flags will be determined by the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council and the Mayor (or their nominees).

Council believes that this is a fair policy which works well.

Council therefore resolves to continue to support this policy.