Walsall Council say no to flying the Palestinian flag

The council said it would not be flying the flag in line with its protocol.

Supporters of the Palestinian cause have voiced their regret over the decision.

See also: Walsall Council urged to fly Palestinian flag.

Councillor Aftab Nawaz, a member of the Walsall Coalition for Palestinian Rights which organised a peaceful demonstration outside the council house this week, said: "It's very disappointing. I personally think it's the right thing to do in solidarity with those who are suffering."

Should Walsall Council fly the Palestinian flag to show solidarity? Leave your comments below.

Councillor Mohammed Arif, also a member of the group, said he was not surprised by the decision as the current protocol over the flying of flags was in draft form only and had not been agreed by the council.

"I know how these things work and I never expected it to be easy," he said.

He suggested ways of getting past the protocol, such as motion being put by a group of councillors, a petition containing more than 3,000 signatures or if the council leader requested it, when a vote would have to take place.

Martin Lynch, leader of the Walsall Coalition for Palestinian Rights said he hoped the council would change its mind.

"Obviously we're disappointed about this initial view and hope they will reconsider," he said.

The group waved Pro- Palestinian placards outside the council house before Monday's important leadership vote.

Glasgow and Fife in Scotland are the among the councils to agree to raise the standard above their council buildings.The black, white, green and red flag is already flying in Bradford, Tower Hamlets and Preston.

If councils fly one flag in support of a cause or in solidarity should they fly others? Where do you draw the line? Leave your comments below.

Walsall Council spokeswoman Natalie Pritchard said: "Walsall Council adheres to its protocol for the flying of flags from the council house based on guidance by the Department for Communities and Local Government and there is no policy regarding flying flags for international matters. "

But Councillor Nawaz said: "This is something that crosses the political divide. I understand the arguments on the other side and that people may think there is a better way.

"I'm also aware that some people think this view extends to other issues but we are totally against what is happening in Iraq and the awful killing that is being carried out there.

"The Palestine issue is purely a humanitarian one, we 'e not looking at taking sides.

"However we've raised the issue in people's minds which is the important thing to do."

See also: Gaza roof protesters defend actions at Staffordshire factory.