Barnet Council has resolved to keep hostage posters and ribbons displayed on council property until further engagement with the Jewish community takes place. The decision was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, following a motion moved by Councillor Josh Mastin-Lee.
An amendment, proposed by Councillor Sara Conway in the name of Councillor Barry Rawlings, was carried and subsequently adopted as the main motion. The vote on this amendment was 31 in favour, 16 against, with 2 abstentions. The original amendment by Councillor Mastin-Lee was lost with 16 votes for and 31 against.
The amended motion acknowledged the distress faced by families following the October 7th atrocities, the rise in antisemitism, and the role ribbons and posters have played in raising awareness and support. It also noted Transport for London's decision to remove posters after the second anniversary of October 7th and the Jewish High Holy Days, and Barnet Council's decision to remove them from council property at the same time.
The motion resolves To refrain from removing any hostage awareness posters, ribbons, stickers and related materials from Council property until further engagement has taken place with the Jewish community.
This engagement is intended to inform the council's approach to such displays moving forward. The council also resolved To oppose by asking TFL not to remove hostage awareness posters, ribbons, stickers and related materials until further engagement with the Jewish community has taken place.
Furthermore, the council will write to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London, pressing for an immediate and decisive crackdown on public displays of antisemitism in our cities, including anyone who calls for and/or incites global intifada and attacks on Jewish people.
This highlights the council's commitment to addressing broader issues of antisemitism.
The motion as amended by Councillor Barry Rawlings was carried with 31 votes in favour and no votes against, with 18 abstentions. The full details of the council meeting and the motions discussed can be found in the supplementary reports Supplementary reports - Items 14.2 14.4 16.3 27th-Jan-2026 19.00 Council.pdf.
