Brent Council approved plans to twin with Nablus, Palestine, leading to controversy. A petition, signed by 1,504 individuals, has been presented to halt the plan, citing concerns over equity, diversity, and the city’s connections to Hamas. Brent's Labour chair asserted the decision reflects solidarity, while critics argue it fosters division among communities, including Jews, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals. Concerns regarding travel to Nablus and the petition's claim of overlooking residents’ protected characteristics have been raised, along with Foreign Office travel advice discouraging non-essential trips to the region.
The creator of the petition claims the decision appears sectarian in its nature, while the architect of the twinning plan suggests it is based on misinformation and fear.
Brent's Labour group chair Ihtesham Afzal stated the decision affirms the council's commitment to solidarity and shared values, but a prominent Jewish organisation described it as a divisive gesture.
The petition, submitted by Ian Collier, calls for an immediate halt to the twinning plan on grounds of equity, diversity, and inclusion, citing challenges in traveling to Nablus.
The petition states that the proposal has not given due regard to its effects on residents with protected characteristics and argues it undermines Brent's objectives of enhancing community relations.
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