Colchester City Council has expressed grave concern over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and how it might affect the city’s local communities.
Following a recent meeting of Full Council, a motion was passed that urged the UK Government to use its influence to press for the urgent release of all hostages, for the protection of civilians and for international law to be upheld.
The council's motion expressed support for UN Resolution 2712, which calls for urgent humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout the Gaza Strip to enable full, rapid, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access. The council further called for an “immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities” in line with the UN Resolution.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Leader of Colchester City Council, Cllr David King, reiterated the council’s position, stating: “We are deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the Middle East, and we want to do everything we can to give voice to our residents and to assure them all – of every faith and none – that Colchester remains a safe place, a City of Sanctuary, which cares for their concerns.
“The conflict is having a devastating impact on people on both sides of the divide. We believe that the UK Government has a responsibility to use its influence to help resolve this crisis, to bring an end to the violence and to protect the innocent.”
The motion has been sent to the Prime Minister, who is expected to respond in due course.
Page last reviewed: 13 December 2023