Walsall Council to write to the Prime Minister demanding permanent ceasefire in Gaza

The decision was a response to a petition launched by Michael Foster from the Walsall Kobar Friendship Association, a local action group partnered with the Palestinian village in the West Bank.

The petition, signed by over 700 people, called on the council to write to the government with three demands.

It called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, to terminate all arms sales to Israel, including arms export licenses, and the end of the occupation of Palestine, including the return of all land.

The petition was brought to a scrutiny overview committee meeting on May 12, where members approved the proposal to write to the UK Government and recommended that the cabinet do the same.

Councillor Aftab Nawaz, leader of the independent group at Walsall Council, put forward the recommendations to the cabinet meeting on July 16.

In response to the calls to write to the government, Councillor Mark Statham said he could see ‘no reason why not’ and said it was important to keep the pressure on.

Councillor Pardeep Kaur said: “We are a council and we can influence what happens in Walsall but not what happens internationally, but it’s worth a try and see what happens.”

Councillor Amo Hussain added: “The more pressure that comes from this council, the better. Most residents in Walsall want this. I think it’s a good idea to write to the government.”

Cabinet members resolved to write directly to the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, calling for the demands outlined in the petition.