Councillor backing Brent twinning with Nablus accuses opponents of ‘racism and lies’
Ihtesham Afzal, chair of Brent's Labour group, uses council meeting to launch an attack on those opposing Nablus scheme
A Labour councillor who spearheaded Brent Council’s move to twin itself with the West Bank city of Nablus has accused opponents of the controversial proposal of resorting to “racism and lies.”
Ihtesham Afzal, chair of Brent’s Labour group and the driving force behind the campaign for the partnership, told a meeting of the north-west Lonson council:”They’ve tried it all, lies, misinformation, deceit, racism and fear-mongering.
“The people who are trying to derail and delay this twinning, this democratically mandated decision… they’ve tried it all.”
Afzal then made reference to comments made by Conservative deputy group leader Michael Maurice at the last council meeting, where he appeared to suggest Nablus was led by Hamas.
Afzal said this was an “outright untruth, a lie” and noted the councillor had not repeated the claim at Monday’s meeting.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign activist then raised concerns about the petition opposing the twinning arrangement, which has been led by Reform UK activist Ian Collier.
It is alleged that the names of Muslim councillors, including Brent Council leader Muhammed Butt appeared on the petition without them supporting it. Afzal said that the inclusion of these names among 2,200 other signatures should invalidate the petition.
During Monday’s meeting a number of Labour councillors left the council chamber for the Nablus debate so did not vote on an amendement that continued the twinning, but accepted there was a need for an equalities impact assessment.
Some of those not in the room questioned why the twinning arrangement had been given the green-light when there were clear fears about the divisive nature of the proposal on communities in the borough.Brent Council leader to meet communal heads to hear concerns over Nablus twinning
Council leader Butt has agreed to meet Jewish communal representatives this week to hear their concerns.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
