Brent Council has rejected a petition calling for an end to its twinning arrangement with Nablus, a town in the West Bank. The decision was made during a full council meeting on Monday, despite concerns raised by petitioners about militancy and division within the borough.
Ian Collier, who presented the petition, argued that Nablus is a hotbed of militancy
and that the twinning was creating division within Brent. He stated that the twinning was political symbolism and not representative of the majority of Brent residents.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, acknowledged the concerns raised but affirmed the council's commitment to its Jewish community and emphasised that the twinning was about peace and cultural exchange. He also noted that the twinning arrangement would be subject to a live and continuous equalities impact assessment.
The forthcoming twinning of Brent with Nablus is not about endorsing any religious belief or political ideology,
said Councillor Butt. It must be about peace, cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Councillor Butt also stated that he would be meeting with representatives of Jewish community groups to hear their concerns directly and that his door remained open for a meeting with the petition group to do the same. He reiterated the council's commitment to protecting all residents and ensuring their voices are heard.
The council also introduced a new international partnering protocol, setting clear expectations for any twinning, including safeguards to ensure that no link undermines community cohesion or values. The protocol allows for any arrangement to be reviewed or nulled if it fails to promote peace, understanding, and constructive exchange.
During the meeting, Councillor Suresh Kansagra, Leader of the Conservative Group, moved a motion for a consistent, fair, and inclusive process for international partnerships, addressing concerns raised by the Nablus twinning. Councillor Butt proposed an amendment, emphasising the council's commitment to equalities and community cohesion. The Labour amendment was carried, and the substantive motion, as amended, was then carried.
Open Council Network provides more information about the meeting and the decision.
