Birmingham Green Party councillors made a strong call for a ceasefire in Gaza at Tuesday’s meeting of the City Council. Green Party Councillors Julien Pritchard and Rob Grant proposed an amendment to a Liberal Democrat motion on supporting refugees from the Israel Gaza conflict.
The Green Party amendment condemned both the horrific Hamas attacks and taking of hostages and the disproportionate and indiscriminate Israeli response.
Our amendment called for a ceasefire and return of hostages and asked Birmingham City Council to join calls for a ceasefire, and write to government to urge it to join international calls for a ceasefire.
Councillor Julien Pritchard said in his speech:
“We agree Birmingham should provide sanctuary for those fleeing conflict in our city, and are proud that ours is a city of sanctuary.
However, ending the violence, through a ceasefire, and a long-term political settlement, is ultimately the only way to ensure the long-term safety and security of civilians on all sides of this conflict. The best way to make sure people have a home is to make sure those homes aren’t being destroyed. The best way to protect would be refugees is to end the violence that makes them refugees.”
“I shudder at the idea that the only way to stop violence for one side is to inflict yet more and more violence on the other side.”
“The aid that is currently being sent to Gaza is woefully insufficient. The only way to get in sufficient aid is for there to be a full ceasefire rather than short term pauses, which are being talked about as hours not even days, that’s not enough time to get in sufficient aid, and alleviate a humanitarian catastrophe.”
“We need a ceasefire to stop the violence and alleviate the suffering in the short term. And ultimately, Lord Mayor, there needs be a once and for all political settlement so all sides in Israel and Palestine can live in safety and security.”
Councillor Rob Grant said:
“As well as providing refuge, being a city of sanctuary also means supporting international efforts to promote peace and an end to violence in this conflict.”
The Green Party amendment was voted down by Labour councillors, but a weaker Labour amendment stating the need for a ceasefire, was passed with support from our Green Party councillors.
Councillor Julien Pritchard said after the meeting:
“We’re pleased the Council voted to agree with the need for a ceasefire. However we’re disappointed Labour councillors voted down our stronger call for a ceasefire and release of hostages.”
You can see the original motion here under item 10B.
You can see the Green Party amendment here under 4 to 10B