Voter ID
The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor P Cooper and seconded by Councillor P Canavan:-
That this council is concerned that the introduction of requiring residents to produce photo ID in order to vote at polling stations is having a negative impact on our democracy by disenfranchising particular sections of our society. For example, in some wards turnout was noticeably lower than in 2019.
This Council therefore agrees to raise these concerns with the Local Government Association, local MPs and Government as a matter of urgency to seek the removal of this unnecessary requirement on voters.
Conflict in Israel and Palestine
The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor J Salmon and seconded by Councillor K Salmon:-
That this Council
• Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.
• Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
• Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.
This Council resolves to
• Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.
• Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.
• Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.
• Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or Israeli populations.
• Continue flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace outside the Civic Centre until a ceasefire is agreed.
Minutes:
The following motion was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules and was moved by Cllr J Salmon and seconded by Cllr K Salmon.
That this Council:
• Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.
• Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
• Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.
This Council resolves to:
• Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.
• Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.
• Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.
• Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or Israeli populations.
• Continue flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace outside the Civic Centre until a ceasefire is agreed.
Comprehensive discussion took place on the motion before Council moved to the vote.
RESOLVED: -
That this Council:
• Expresses deep sympathy for all those affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. To those in the BCP area who have been affected by this conflict we offer our support in this difficult time.
• Hopes for an immediate further release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire to allow more aid and the possibility of a peaceful resolution.
• Believes Muslims, Jews and people of all faiths and none should feel safe and supported throughout the world; that the increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic violence in the UK is reprehensible and should be punished to the full extent of the law.
This Council resolves to:
• Through the equalities action commission explore how the council can better support and facilitate events for people of all faiths and none where they can come together and express solidarity and sadness in response to these events.
• Offer appropriate support to any local resident who needs our assistance as a result of these violent events.
• Stand ready to provide support and open our arms to innocent people displaced and affected by these events.
• Condemn the use of all dehumanising language and calls on our communities to treat each other with respect and refrain from inflammatory terms to describe either the Palestinian or Israeli populations.
• Continue flying the UN flag as a symbol of peace outside the Civic Centre until a ceasefire is agreed.
Voting: For: 45, Against: 0, Abstention: 21.
The following motion was submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 10 of the Meeting Procedure Rules and was moved by Cllr C Cooper and seconded by Cllr P Canavan.
That this Council is concerned that the introduction of requiring residents to produce photo ID in order to vote at polling stations is having a negative impact on our democracy by disenfranchising particular sections of our society. For example, in some wards, turnout was noticeably lower than in 2019. This Council therefore agrees to raise these concerns with the Local Government Association, local MPs and Government as a matter of urgency to seek the removal of this unnecessary requirement on voters.
Comprehensive discussion took place on the motion before Council moved to the vote.
RESOLVED:
That this Council is concerned that the introduction of requiring residents to produce photo ID in order to vote at polling stations is having a negative impact on our democracy by disenfranchising particular sections of our society. For example, in some wards, turnout was noticeably lower than in 2019. This Council therefore agrees to raise these concerns with the Local Government Association, local MPs and Government as a matter of urgency to seek the removal of this unnecessary requirement on voters.
Voting: For: 60, Against: 4, Abstention: 1