Westminster City Council’s cross-party motion affirming that Zionism is not racism was backed unanimously by Conservative and Labour councillors at Full Council on Wednesday 11 November, MyLondon reports, as a protest and a counter-protest gathered on the steps of Marylebone Town Hall.
The motion was moved by Cllr Hannah Galley, Cabinet Member for Children and Education and councillor for Abbey Road, and seconded by Labour’s Cllr David Boothroyd. It responds to the Green Party conference vote declaring that Zionism is racism, and asks the Council Leader and the Leader of the Opposition to write to local synagogues and the London Jewish Forum offering reassurance.
Introducing the motion, Hannah told members they have “a duty and a responsibility to defend community cohesion, to challenge prejudice wherever it arises”, so that every resident in Westminster feels safe in expressing their identity.
She said that since the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023, “we’ve seen a sustained campaign of hostility towards Jewish identity played out in our streets, in our universities, and across many public institutions right here in Westminster.”
“This intimidation has grown to the extent that Jews are the only people who have to worship behind security patrols,” she added. “Zionism is not racist. Jewish identity is not to be erased and Jewish people should never have to hide who they are to feel safe in London.”
Cllr Boothroyd said it was “profoundly sad that we have again to address ourselves to the attacks on Jewish people here in Westminster”.
Council Leader Cllr Paul Swaddle said he will write to members who were not present, asking them to confirm how they would have voted.
Read the full article on MyLondon: ‘Zionism is not racism’ motion meant to call out divisive language sparks protest and counter demo
